Today, it is not only that our kings do not know mathematics, but our philosophers do not know mathematics and -- to go a step further -- our mathematicians do not know mathematics.
"The Tree of Knowledge," in Harper's, 217, 1958.
Loci: Convergence
Mathematical Quotations
Our library of quotations is organized alphabetically by surname of the author.
Pascal, Blaise (1623-1662)
When the passions become masters, they are vices.
Pascal, Blaise (1623-1662)
Nature is an infinite sphere of which the center is everywhere and the circumference nowhere.
Pascal, Blaise (1623-1662)
We arrive at truth, not by reason only, but also by the heart.
Pascal, Blaise (1623-1662)
Words differently arranged have a different meaning and meanings differently arranged have a different effect.
Pascal, Blaise (1623-1662)
To deny, to believe, and to doubt well are to a man as the race is to a horse.
Pascal, Blaise (1623-1662)
Those who are accustomed to judge by feeling do not understand the process of reasoning, because they want to comprehend at a glance and are not used to seeking for first principles. Those, on the other hand, who are accustomed to reason from first principles do not understand matters of feeling at all, because they look for first principles and are unable to comprehend at a glance.
Pascal, Blaise (1623-1662)
Perfect clarity would profit the intellect but damage the will.
Pascal, Blaise (1623-1662)
All err the more dangerously because each follows a truth. Their mistake lies not in following a falsehood but in not following another truth.
Pascal, Blaise (1623-1662)
Contradiction is not a sign of falsity, nor the lack of contradiction a sign of truth.
Pascal, Blaise (1623-1662)
I cannot judge my work while I am doing it. I have to do as painters do, stand back and view it from a distance, but not too great a distance. How great? Guess.