51 pages • 1 hour read •
Pensées
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Book Brief
334
Book • Nonfiction
France • 17th century
1670
Penguin Classics
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
Pensées by Blaise Pascal is an unfinished collection of nearly 1,000 reflections on human nature, religion, and philosophy, originally intended as a defense of Christianity. Compiled posthumously, it explores humanity's dual states of wretchedness and greatness, emphasizing that faith in God can transcend human suffering. The work discusses topics like "Vanity," "Wretchedness," "Greatness," and "Christian morality." Some notes contain traditionally anti-Semitic ideas.
Contemplative
Mysterious
Melancholic
Inspirational
Challenging
Reviews & Readership
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Review Roundup
Blaise Pascal's Pensées is lauded for its profound insight into human nature and the philosophical arguments for Christianity. Critics appreciate its depth and intellectual rigor, though some find its fragmentary structure challenging. The work's aphoristic style and enduring relevance are noted, but readers must be prepared for its dense, sometimes disjointed, presentation.
Who Should Read Pensées?
A reader who enjoys Pensées by Blaise Pascal likely has an interest in philosophy, theology, and classic literature. They appreciate profound reflections on human nature and faith, much like readers of Augustine’s Confessions or Descartes’ Meditations on First Philosophy. This reader enjoys deep, existential questions and historical texts that challenge modern perspectives.
14,313 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Pensées was not published in its complete form during Blaise Pascal's lifetime; it was assembled posthumously from notes he intended to use for an apologetic work on Christianity.
The original manuscript of Pensées was fragmented and unordered, and editors over the years have arranged the text in various ways to best represent Pascal's ideas.
Blaise Pascal's Pensées is renowned for introducing "Pascal's Wager," a philosophical argument that posits it is in one's self-interest to believe in God, even if the existence of God cannot be determined through reason alone.
Pensées was not published in its complete form during Blaise Pascal's lifetime; it was assembled posthumously from notes he intended to use for an apologetic work on Christianity.
The original manuscript of Pensées was fragmented and unordered, and editors over the years have arranged the text in various ways to best represent Pascal's ideas.
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Blaise Pascal's Pensées is renowned for introducing "Pascal's Wager," a philosophical argument that posits it is in one's self-interest to believe in God, even if the existence of God cannot be determined through reason alone.
Subscribe to discover more Fun Facts!
334
Book • Nonfiction
France • 17th century
1670
Penguin Classics
Adult
18+ years
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