Descartes Quote by Blaise Pascal
“I cannot forgive Descartes. In all his philosophy he would have been quite willing to dispense with God. But he had to make Him give a fillip to set the world in motion; beyond this, he has no further need of God.”
About This Quote
Source Philosophical Treatise: Pensées, 1670
Pascal criticizes Descartes for using God merely as a convenient mechanism to start the universe, suggesting God is unnecessary beyond that initial act.
In simple terms: Pascal says Descartes treats God as a simple tool, not essential afterward.
Key Takeaway
Question the necessity of divine explanations in philosophy.
Themes
philosophy
theology
cartesianism
skepticism
metaphysics
Mood
analytical
critical
thought‑provoking
Type
philosophical
theological
When to use this quote
- academic debate
- theological discussion
- personal belief formation
Key Concepts
God as a first cause
philosophical necessity
cartesian critique
Questions to Reflect On
- Is God needed beyond cosmological origins?
- Can philosophy function without invoking deity?
A Different Perspective
His view may overlook deeper theological roles of God.
![“Descartes gave sight to the blind. These saw the errors of antiquity and of the sciences. The path he struck out is since become boundless […] In fathoming this abyss no bottom has been found. We are now to examine what discoveries Sir Isaac Newton has made in it.” quote by Voltaire](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/752/voltaire-173_abyss_descartes-gave-sight-to-the-blind-these_224597.jpg)
