“ The charm of fame is so great, that we like every object to which it is attached, even death. ”
Blaise Pascal, Pensées (1670). copy citation
| Author | Blaise Pascal |
|---|---|
| Source | Pensées |
| Topic | death vanity fame |
| Date | 1670 |
| Language | English |
| Reference | |
| Note | Translated by W. F. Trotter |
| Weblink | http://www.gutenberg.org/files/18269/18269-h/18269-h.htm |
Context
“
Every opinion may be held preferable to life, the love of which is so strong and so natural.[ 74]
157 Contradiction: contempt for our existence, to die for nothing, hatred of our existence. 158 Pursuits.—The charm of fame is so great, that we like every object to which it is attached, even death. 159 Noble deeds are most estimable when hidden. When I see some of these in history (as p. 184)[75], they please me greatly. But after all they have not been quite hidden, since they have been known; and though people have done what they could to hide them, the little publication of them spoils all, for what was best in them was the wish to hide them.” source
Every opinion may be held preferable to life, the love of which is so strong and so natural.[ 74]
157 Contradiction: contempt for our existence, to die for nothing, hatred of our existence. 158 Pursuits.—The charm of fame is so great, that we like every object to which it is attached, even death. 159 Noble deeds are most estimable when hidden. When I see some of these in history (as p. 184)[75], they please me greatly. But after all they have not been quite hidden, since they have been known; and though people have done what they could to hide them, the little publication of them spoils all, for what was best in them was the wish to hide them.” source
Original quote
Meaning and analysis
