Belief in god Quote by Simon Singh
““Pascal was even convinced that he could use his theories to justify a belief in God. He stated that ‘the excitement that a gambler feels when making a bet is equal to the amount he might win multiplied by the probability of winning it’. He then argued that the possible prize of eternal happiness has an infinite value and that the probability of entering heaven by leading a virtuous life, no matter how small, is certainly finite. Therefore, according to Pascal’s definition, religion was a game of infinite excitement and one worth playing, because multiplying an infinite prize by a finite probability results in infinity.””
About This Quote
Source Book: The Simpsons and Their Mathematical Secrets, 2013
Pascal’s argument treats belief in God as a gamble with infinite payoff and finite chance, making it rational to wager.
In simple terms: Belief is a gamble with infinite reward.
Key Takeaway
Consider the logic behind faith.
Themes
faith
probability
philosophy
Mood
thoughtful
analytical
Type
explanatory
philosophical
When to use this quote
- ethical debates
- personal belief
- theological discussions
Key Concepts
infinite value
rational choice
Questions to Reflect On
- Do infinite possibilities justify belief?
- What are the limits of rational faith?
A Different Perspective
Infinite rewards are speculative, not empirical.
