Break Quote by Blaise Pascal
“Necessity, that great refuge and excuse for human frailty, breaks through all law; and he is not to be accounted in fault whose crime is not the effect of choice, but force.”
About This Quote
Source Book: Pensées by Blaise Pascal, 1670
Human weakness is often justified by necessity, making actions driven by force seem less blameworthy than those chosen freely.
In simple terms: Necessity excuses weak actions, reducing blame.
Key Takeaway
Recognize when necessity masks responsibility.
Themes
human nature
responsibility
ethics
Mood
reflective
critical
Type
philosophical
ethical
When to use this quote
- legal judgments
- personal decisions
- emergency responses
- policy making
Key Concepts
determinism
free will
moral luck
Questions to Reflect On
- Do you excuse your own failures by citing necessity?
- How should society treat actions caused by unavoidable forces?
A Different Perspective
Not all forced actions are morally excusable; intent matters.
