Blaise Pascal quotes
1623 – 1662 · 17th century, France · Mathematician, physicist, inventor and religious thinker
About Blaise Pascal
Born in Clermont-Ferrand, Pascal made key contributions to probability theory, fluid mechanics and computing (the Pascaline). In later years he turned to religious reflection influenced by Jansenism; his papers, published posthumously as the Pensées, defend Christian faith and probe the limits of reason and rational proof.
Works: Pensées; Lettres provinciales; Treatise on the Arithmetic Triangle; scientific writings
Quotes
“The heart has its reasons which reason does not know.”
Source: Pensées (posthumous fragments) · Check the source
Verified attributionWhat we know
- What is documented
- The line is a genuine fragment from Pascal's Pensées, preserved in posthumous compilations of his papers.
Pascal argues that some truths are grasped by an inward sense rather than by formal proof. In the religious context of his Pensées, the “heart” names an intuitive faculty that perceives God and faith where reason alone cannot fully demonstrate.