There are two equally dangerous extremes-to shut reason out, and to let nothing else in.

What did Blaise Pascal mean by:

There are two equally dangerous extremes-to shut reason out, and to let nothing else in.

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This quote implies that there are two extreme ways of thinking that can be equally detrimental. The first is to entirely disregard reason, logic, and rational thinking. This can lead to making decisions based on emotions, superstitions, or unverified beliefs, which can often lead to harmful consequences.

The second extreme is to rely solely on reason and not allow any other forms of knowledge or understanding into our thought process. This could mean disregarding emotions, intuition, spirituality, and other non-rational forms of knowledge. This extreme can also be harmful, as it can lead to a cold, calculating view of the world that lacks empathy and understanding of the human experience.

The quote suggests that a balance between reason and other forms of knowledge and understanding is necessary. Relying too heavily on either can lead to an incomplete understanding of the world and can cause harm to oneself and others.

In today’s world, this quote can be applied in many ways. For example, in the realm of politics, we often see individuals or groups falling into one of these two extremes. Some disregard reason and make decisions based on emotions or unverified beliefs, while others rely solely on cold hard facts and disregard the emotional and human side of issues. Both extremes can lead to harmful policies and a divided society.

In terms of personal development, this quote suggests the importance of balance. It’s important to use reason and logic in our decision-making processes, but we should also listen to our emotions and intuition. We should be open to other forms of knowledge and understanding, such as spiritual or philosophical insights. By maintaining a balance between reason and other forms of understanding, we can develop a more well-rounded and nuanced view of the world.

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