Affliction Quote by Blaise Pascal
“Vanity of science. Knowledge of physical science will not console me for ignorance of morality in time of affliction, but knowledge of morality will always console me for ignorance of physical science.”
About This Quote
Source Philosophical Treatise: Pensées, 1670
Physical science cannot soothe moral ignorance, but moral knowledge can comfort lack of scientific understanding.
In simple terms: Morality offers solace when science falls short.
Key Takeaway
Prioritize moral development alongside scientific learning.
Themes
morality
science
comfort
ignorance
Mood
thoughtful
serious
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- education
- personal crisis
- ethical decision making
- public policy
Key Concepts
ethics
epistemology
human condition
Questions to Reflect On
- Can moral insight replace scientific knowledge?
- When should moral guidance dominate over technical expertise?
A Different Perspective
Moral comfort may not address practical scientific challenges.
![“May I strike my heart's keys clearly, and may none fail because of slack, uncertain, or fraying strings. May the tears that stream down my face make me more radiant: may my hidden weeping bloom… How we waste our afflictions!... [T]hey're really our wintering foliage, our dark greens of meaning…” quote by Rainer Maria Rilke](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/7c7/rainer-maria-rilke-193_abode_may-i-strike-my-heart-s-keys-clearly-and_52479.jpg)
