Desert island Quote by Karen Armstrong
““Pascal's scientific achievements, therefore, did not give him much confidence in the human condition. When he contemplated the immensity of the universe, he was scared stiff: 'When I see the blind and wretched state of man, when I survey the whole universe in its dumbness and man left to himself with no light, as though lost in this corner of the universe, without knowing who put him there, what he has come to do, what will become of him when he dies, incapable of knowing anything, I am moved to terror, like a man transported in his sleep to some terrifying desert island, who wakes up quiet lost with no means of escape. Then I marvel that so wretched a state does not drive people to despair.””
About This Quote
Source Book: The Case for God by Karen Armstrong, 2009
Armstrong describes Pascal’s awe of the universe’s vastness, leading to terror yet also wonder, showing that confronting humanity’s insignificance can inspire both fear and awe.
In simple terms: Facing the universe’s scale brings terror and awe.
Key Takeaway
Embrace awe without succumbing to despair.
Themes
philosophy
existentialism
humility
Mood
thoughtful
inspirational
Type
philosophical
spiritual
When to use this quote
- personal reflection
- philosophical study
- spiritual contemplation
Key Concepts
cosmic perspective
terror
wonder
Questions to Reflect On
- What does terror reveal about our values?
- How can awe be a source of hope?
A Different Perspective
Fear can paralyze, but wonder can motivate.
