Pensees by Blaise Pascal (Penguin Classics)

Description

“Pensées” (French for “Thoughts”) is a collection of philosophical fragments written by the French mathematician, physicist, and philosopher Blaise Pascal. The work was compiled posthumously and published in 1670, a few years after Pascal’s death.

In “Pensées,” Pascal explores a wide range of topics, including philosophy, theology, human nature, and morality. The fragments are organized into a series of sections, covering themes such as the nature of man, the existence of God, the problem of skepticism, the pursuit of happiness, and the human condition.

One of the central themes of “Pensées” is Pascal’s exploration of the relationship between faith and reason. He famously presents his “wager” argument, which suggests that it is rational to believe in God, even in the absence of conclusive evidence, because the potential rewards of belief (such as eternal salvation) outweigh the potential costs.

“Pensées” is considered a classic of French literature and philosophy, and Pascal’s insights continue to be studied and debated by scholars and readers alike. The work is known for its depth, complexity, and eloquence, and it remains highly influential in the fields of philosophy, theology, and existential thought.