Blindness Quote by Blaise Pascal
“It is certain that the soul is either mortal or immortal. The decision of this question must make a total difference in the principles of morals. Yet philosophers have arranged their moral system entirely independent of this. What an extraordinary blindness!”
About This Quote
Source Book: Pensées, Blaise Pascal, 1670
Pascal argues that belief in the soul’s mortality or immortality fundamentally shapes moral principles, yet philosophers often ignore this crucial question.
In simple terms: Our view of the soul’s fate shapes our morals, but many overlook it.
Reflect on your belief about the soul and its moral impact.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- theological debate
- personal ethics
- philosophical inquiry
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- What would change in your ethics if you believed the soul is mortal?
- Can morality be objective without belief in an afterlife?
Some argue morality can be grounded without metaphysical claims.