Common Quote by Blaise Pascal
“We sometimes learn more from the sight of evil than from an example of good; and it is well to accustom ourselves to profit by the evil which is so common, while that which is good is so rare.”
About This Quote
Source Philosophical Treatise: Pensées (1670)
Observing evil can teach us more than observing good because evil is common and good is rare.
In simple terms: We learn from bad examples since they appear often.
Key Takeaway
Learn from negative experiences to improve.
Themes
philosophy
human nature
learning
Mood
thoughtful
analytical
Type
philosophical
educational
When to use this quote
- reading philosophy
- teaching ethics
- personal growth
Key Concepts
moral education
observational learning
Questions to Reflect On
- What negative example has taught you a lesson?
- How can you balance learning from evil with appreciating good?
A Different Perspective
Focusing on evil may breed cynicism.
![“Neither Italian fascism nor German national "socialism" have anything in common with such a [Soviet socialistic] society, primarily because private ownership of factories, plants, lands, banks, means of transportation, etc., remain untouched there, and, therefore, capitalism in Germany and Italy…” quote by Joseph Stalin](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/411/joseph-stalin-1734_capitalism_neither-italian-fascism-nor-german-natio_1430.jpg)
