[Pascal] was the first and perhaps is still the most…
![“[Pascal] was the first and perhaps is still the most effective voice to be raised in warning of the consequences of the enthronement of the human ego in contradistinction to the cross, symbolizing the ego's immolation. How beautiful it all seemed at the time of the Enlightenment, that man…” quote by Malcolm Muggeridge](https://sms4smile.com/q/img-quotes/f06/malcolm-muggeridge-2370_beautiful_pascal-was-the-first-and-perhaps-is-stil_1911762.jpg)
“[Pascal] was the first and perhaps is still the most effective voice to be raised in warning of the consequences of the enthronement of the human ego in contradistinction to the cross, symbolizing the ego's immolation. How beautiful it all seemed at the time of the Enlightenment, that man triumphant would bring to pass that earthly paradise whose groves of academe would ensure the realization forever of peace, plenty, and beatitude in practice. But what a nightmare of wars, famines, and folly was to result therefrom.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
The essay warns that the Enlightenment’s triumph of human ego, symbolized by the cross, promised peace but instead led to wars and famine.
In simple terms: Enlightenment’s ego-driven promises resulted in suffering.
Key Takeaway
Question the hubris of human progress narratives.
Themes
philosophy
history
ego
religion
war
Mood
critical
thought‑provoking
Type
philosophical
historical analysis
When to use this quote
- political policy
- academic discourse
- religious debate
- social reform
Key Concepts
humanism
hubris
unintended consequences
Questions to Reflect On
- What balances the benefits and harms of Enlightenment ideas?
- Can ego be harnessed constructively?
A Different Perspective
The critique may overlook the positive advances of the Enlightenment.