Since my early youth I have bought several copies of the compressed works of Pascal, a pocket book edition of his "Thoughts".
I've given it as little presents, but rarely got any feed back.
Nevertheless that old genius never fails to impress me, or to give me new and better perspectives on my own life.
In my search for emptiness and chase for wind his thoughts make me reevaluate my motives and actions.
"We don't lust for things, but for the status of things," he says.
Further;
"It is not good to be too free. It is not good to have everything one wants."-- Blaise Pascal
So when I am so focused on my daughter's success, my husband's health, or my friend's possible loss of her home, I may be all wrong.
"Happiness is neither without us nor within us. It is in God, both without us and within us."
I often get tired of trying and failing. At my age it's getting harder to raise from the floor every time I'm down.
"It is good to be tired and wearied by the futile search after the true good,
that we may stretch out our arms to the Redeemer." Blaise Pascal
Good night, friends.
6 comments:
what a lovely post of your reflections on
pascal. he is wonderful. it makes me think
of jesus' words "blessed are the poor in
spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of God."
to renounce everything, must be very
freeing. to be willing to be completely
bereft is difficult.
"Lord, help my weakness."
Though familiar with his name, I am unfamiliar with Pascal's philosophy and thoughts. A little wiki looking gave me a good bit of information.
I find the thoughts on where happiness resides unsettling. I believe that God wishes nothing but happiness for us but it is up to us to exercise our free will and make our own happiness. Faith in God is my path to happiness and peace.
I saw my mother get to the point of finding it impossible to lift herself out of her sadness after her stroke. I suspect you are thinking more of actually physically falling rather than emotional falling. You are a woman of faith, dear Elise. HE is never far away and is always there to lift you up.
Pascal cut righ through things, didn't he? I love your reflections here. I am always drawn to the way you so honestly say things Felisol. It hits a chord in my heart every time.
xo
P.S.... I am still going back and 'feasting' on Grieg's music in your last post... my mother loved his music and it was in our home as we grew up, even if it was just her singing it!
Your love for the classics is commendable, Felisol.
The picture of the bleeding hearts is very beautiful.
I have appreciated reading the quotes you shared from Pascal.
Be encouraged... never lose your song in the night.
Have a pleasant and sweet rest, dear friend.
Much love
Lidj
Everything...EVERYTHING about this post I LOVE. Photos of a nation's "DAY", your Mother and Gunnar, and YOU. Pascal's thought/sayings...just a GOOD read. THANK you!
Certainly upbeat! And yes, God is within AND without, and He is LOVE, and examples of that are everywhere...every THING
PEACE!
I have read quotes by Pascal and they are very wise and deep. What you have quoted here is worth reflecting upon Felisol.
These are the things which give meaning to life.
I like the painting you have featured.
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