The last advance of reason is to recognize that it is surpassed by innumerable things; it is feeble if it cannot realize that.
Blaise PascalThe Church limits her sacramental services to the faithful. Christ gave Himself upon the cross a ransom for all.
Blaise PascalAll men seek happiness. There are no exceptions.... This is the motive of every act of every man, including those who go and hang themselves.
Blaise PascalMan's true nature being lost, everything becomes his nature; as, his true good being lost, everything becomes his good.
Blaise PascalHabit is a second nature that destroys the first. But what is nature? Why is habit not natural? I am very much afraid that nature itself is only a first habit, just as habit is a second nature.
Blaise PascalIt is dangerous to tell the people that the laws are unjust; for they obey them only because they think them just. Therefore it isnecessary to tell them at the same time that they must obey them because they are laws, just as they must obey superiors, not because they are just, but because they are superiors. In this way all sedition is prevented.
Blaise Pascal