People are generally better persuaded by the reasons which they have themselves discovered than by those which have come into the mind of others.
Author: Blaise Pascal | Source: The Marginalian (Brain Pickings) | Subjects: Communication, Education | Scholarship, Personal Improvement, Psychology | Behavior
When we wish to correct with advantage, and to show another that he errs, we must notice from what side he views the matter, for on that side it is usually true, and admit that truth to him, but reveal to him the side on which it is false. He is satisfied with that, for he sees that he was not mistaken, and that he … [ Read more ]
Author: Blaise Pascal | Source: The Marginalian (Brain Pickings) | Subjects: Communication, Education | Scholarship, Personal Improvement, Psychology | Behavior
What is important is not the quantity of your knowledge, but its quality. You can know many things without knowing that which is most important. There are two types of ignorance, the pure, natural ignorance into which all people are born, and the ignorance of the so-called wise. You will see that many among those who call themselves scholars do not know real life, and … [ Read more ]
Author: Blaise Pascal | Subjects: Education | Scholarship, Intelligence | Knowledge
One might … say that moving minds — our own as well as those of others — is among the most effortful labor there is.
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“When we wish to correct with advantage, and to show another that he errs, we must notice from what side he views the matter, for on that side it is usually true, and admit that truth to him, but reveal to … [ Read more ]
Authors: Blaise Pascal, Maria Popova | Source: The Marginalian (Brain Pickings) (May 20, 2015) | Subjects: Articles & Links, Communication, Excerpts
All of humanity’s problems stem from man’s inability to sit quietly in a room alone.
Author: Blaise Pascal | Source: Pensées | Subjects: Life & Society, Philosophy, Psychology | Behavior, Wisdom