Pensées

As a scientist and mathematician, Blaise Pascal believes that there are “an infinite number of things which are beyond” reason. In your view, can a commitment to scientific reasoning be reconciled with a belief in reason’s limitations? Why or why not?

According to Pascal, in what does mankind’s greatness consist? What role does God play in the realization of mankind’s greatness? What role does reason play?

Pascal claims that there is “a long way” between “knowing God and loving him” (110). Why does Pascal see love as higher and more difficult than rational knowledge? What is the significance of this statement in light of the work’s key themes and ideas?