“Man is neither angel nor brute, and the unfortunate thing is that he who would act the angel acts the brute.”
Explore This Quote Further
Wisdom from Blaise Pascal
"Man is neither angel nor brute, and the unfortunate thing is that he who would act the angel acts the brute." - Blaise Pascal
- This quote from Blaise Pascal reflects on the complexity and duality within human nature. It suggests that individuals have the capacity for both good and evil actions, and sometimes those who strive to be virtuous end up acting in harmful ways instead. Pascal highlights the struggle and contradiction that exists within every person.
Quote Analysis
In this quote by Blaise Pascal, he is discussing the dual nature of man. Pascal argues that man is neither fully angelic nor completely brutish, but rather a combination of both. He suggests that those who strive to act like angels often end up behaving in a brutish manner. This notion highlights the complexity of human nature and the struggle to balance our higher ideals with our more base instincts. Pascal's observation serves as a reminder of the challenges inherent in trying to navigate between these two extremes.
Striving for Virtue in a Complex World
Blaise Pascal's quote reminds us of the dual nature of humanity and the constant struggle between our better and worst selves. In a world where individuals often strive to be virtuous and compassionate, there are times when they may inadvertently exhibit behavior that is less than ideal. This quote serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of self-awareness and the continual effort required to act in accordance with our higher principles.
Reflection Questions:
Reflecting on this powerful quote by Blaise Pascal, consider the following questions:
- How do you interpret the idea that man is neither angel nor brute?
- In what ways have you witnessed individuals trying to act like angels but ultimately behaving like brutes?
- What does this quote suggest about the complexities of human nature and behavior?
- How can we strive to align our actions more closely with the qualities of an angel rather than a brute in our daily lives?
- Have you ever experienced a situation where you or someone else acted in a way that seemed contradictory to their intentions? How did it impact the outcome of the situation?
Similar quotes
“Man is neither angel nor beast, and unhappily whoever wants to act the angel, acts the beast.”
“and the same man who spends so many days and nights in fury and despair at losing some office or at some imaginary affront to his honour is the very one who knows that he is going to lose everything through death and feels neither anxiety nor emotion.”
“It is dangerous to explain too clearly to man how like he is to the animals without pointing out his greatness. It is also dangerous to make too much of his greatness without his vileness. It is still more dangerous to leave him in ignorance of both, but it is most valuable to represent both to him.Man must not be allowed to believe that he is equal either to animals or to angels, nor to be unaware of either, but he must know both.”
“The brutes do not admire each other. A horse does not admire his companion. Not that there is no rivalry between them in a race, but that is of no consequence; for, when in the stable, the heaviest and most ill-formed does not give up his oats to another as men would have others do to them. Their virtue is satisfied with itself.”
“Happiness can be found neither in ourselves nor in external things, but in God and in ourselves as united to him.”
“I ask you neither for health nor for sickness, for life nor for death; but that you may dispose of my health and my sickness, my life and my death, for your glory ... You alone know what is expedient for me; you are the sovereign master, do with me according to your will. Give to me, or take away from me, only conform my will to yours. I know but one thing, Lord, that it is good to follow you, and bad to offend you. Apart from that, I know not what is good or bad in anything. I know not which is most profitable to me, health or sickness, wealth or poverty, nor anything else in the world. That discernment is beyond the power of men or angels, and is hidden among the secrets of your providence, which I adore, but do not seek to fathom.”