Quote: Divertissement. Les hommes n'ayant pu guérir la mort, la misère, l'ignorance, ils se sont avisés, pour se rendre heureux, de n'y point penser.
Synopsis: Les Pensées. Pascal explains the many things that influence our thoughts. Like stated in the beginning, the majesty of man is like an eternal lamp that lights the universe. Thoughts effect everything that we do and are. He talks about our reason, and when it is deceived our thoughts are also deceived. Our imagination can be a great aid to us, and also it can be deceiving.
Le mystère de Jésus. Here Pascal speaks of the atonement of Jesus Christ, and his sufferings for all. He speaks of the mercy of God, and its importance for us. Then he has a pacifying conversation with Jesus.
Readers Response: I really liked reading the thoughts and opinions of Pascal. You can really see how his religion influenced him and his writings. He gave some great insights into imagination that were very interesting. And in the mystery of Jesus you can even feel his search for a peace and mercy as he talks about and with Jesus.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
5 comments:
The Pascal readings weren't my favorite. I found them only slightly interesting and I had to really focus. My favorite part was the divertissement part. I got out of that, that we need to step back and enjoy other things so that we can take our mind off worries and sadness.
I found some of his thoughts contradictory to such a strong Christian faith, and therefore intriguing. Like when he talks about how man is so easily crushed at any moment, or how man is nothing in comparison to the universe. Usually a Christian philosophy would focus more on the importance of man, having been made in God's image and having a divine mission to fulfill God's will. I would have loved to ask him how he personally made these two opposite viewpoints compatible.
Pascal's spirituality is conceived in a balance. He recognizes the duality of Man's nature by taking us to see both extremities. He advocates a belief which encompasses both. It's interesting to consider this in light of today's mores where (broadly speaking) people who claim to be religious root themselves at the extreme edges of belief/non-belief.
I also enjoyed his balance on the subject and was very intrigued by his way of explaining the matter. His views and thoughts were those of years of searching. He had a very powerful way of writing that I enjoyed reading.
Pascal emphasizes our capacity to think for ourselves. And as such agents we should learn to control our minds and maintain intellectual balance. He was tough to read but I found some of his insights to be worthwhile.
Post a Comment