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Science can tell us what exists; but to compare the…

“Science can tell us what exists; but to compare the worths, both of what exists and of what does not exist, we must consult not science, but what Pascal calls our heart.” quote by William James
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“Science can tell us what exists; but to compare the worths, both of what exists and of what does not exist, we must consult not science, but what Pascal calls our heart.”

William James

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Science describes observable facts, but evaluating value requires emotional intuition beyond empirical proof.

In simple terms: Science shows what is; the heart judges value.

Key Takeaway

Balance reason with feeling.

Themes

philosophy ethics epistemology

Mood

contemplative reflective

Type

philosophical inspirational

When to use this quote

  • personal decisions
  • art criticism
  • policy making
  • spiritual practice

Key Concepts

subjectivity value judgment heart-mind dualism

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do you integrate emotion into rational choices?
  • When should intuition override data?
A Different Perspective

Pure logic cannot fully assess worth.

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