Dozen Quote by Blaise Pascal
“We are so presumptuous that we should like to be known all over the world, even by people who will only come when we are no more. Such is our vanity that the good opinion of half a dozen of the people around us gives us pleasure and satisfaction.”
About This Quote
Source Book: Pensées, Blaise Pascal, 1670
People crave fame and approval even from those who will only notice them after they are gone, and they find fleeting satisfaction in the limited praise of a few acquaintances.
In simple terms: We seek lasting fame and validation from others, even after death, and feel satisfied by a few people's approval.
Key Takeaway
Value genuine impact over fleeting fame.
Themes
vanity
recognition
human nature
ego
social validation
Mood
reflective
thoughtful
critical
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- career ambition
- social media presence
- legacy planning
- public speaking
- artistic creation
Key Concepts
existentialism
psychology
philosophy
Questions to Reflect On
- What lasting contributions can you make beyond personal recognition?
- How does reliance on others' opinions affect your self-worth?
A Different Perspective
Fame is fleeting and dependent on others' perceptions, which can be unreliable.
