“ Men never do evil so completely and cheerfully as when they do it from religious conviction. ”
Blaise Pascal, Pensées (1670). copy citation
| Author | Blaise Pascal |
|---|---|
| Source | Pensées |
| Topic | evil religion conviction |
| Date | 1670 |
| Language | English |
| Reference | |
| Note | Translated by W. F. Trotter |
| Weblink | http://www.gutenberg.org/files/18269/18269-h/18269-h.htm |
Context
“Our mind is assured by a proof of falsehood; our purse is not made secure by proof of injustice.
893 Those who love the Church lament to see the corruption of morals; but laws at least exist. But these corrupt the laws. The model is damaged.
894 Men never do evil so completely and cheerfully as when they do it from religious conviction. 895 It is in vain that the Church has established these words, anathemas, heresies, etc. They are used against her.
896 The servant knoweth not what his lord doeth, for the master tells him only the act and not the intention.[” source
893 Those who love the Church lament to see the corruption of morals; but laws at least exist. But these corrupt the laws. The model is damaged.
894 Men never do evil so completely and cheerfully as when they do it from religious conviction. 895 It is in vain that the Church has established these words, anathemas, heresies, etc. They are used against her.
896 The servant knoweth not what his lord doeth, for the master tells him only the act and not the intention.[” source
Original quote
Meaning and analysis
