Skip to content

Causes Quote by Blaise Pascal

“Undoubtedly equality of goods is just; but, being unable to cause might to obey justice, men has made it just to obey might. Unable to strengthen justice, they have justified might--so that the just and the strong should unite, and there should be peace, which is the sovereign good.” quote by Blaise Pascal
Download Open image
“Undoubtedly equality of goods is just; but, being unable to cause might to obey justice, men has made it just to obey might. Unable to strengthen justice, they have justified might--so that the just and the strong should unite, and there should be peace, which is the sovereign good.”

Blaise Pascal

About This Quote

Source Treatise: Pensées, 1670

Justice alone cannot enforce order; when power overrides justice, societies accept might as law, seeking peace through strength.

In simple terms: Justice needs power to be effective.

Key Takeaway

Balance justice with strength.

Themes

politics justice power peace

Mood

thoughtful critical

Type

philosophical political

When to use this quote

  • government policy
  • legal reforms
  • conflict resolution

Key Concepts

social contract authority ethical governance

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can societies ensure power serves justice?
  • What safeguards prevent might from dominating?
A Different Perspective

Power can corrupt justice if unchecked.

3.9 out of 5 (9 ratings)

More by Blaise Pascal

Explore all 988 Blaise Pascal quotes

More Causes quotes

Browse all 9,070 Causes quotes