This quote by Blaise Pascal is suggesting that the first step in evangelism is to make the Christian faith desirable to others. The idea is to show the benefits of following Christianity, such as hope, peace, and purpose, that would make people wish it were true. The second step is to present evidence and reasoning that validate the faith’s truthfulness.

The quote speaks to the importance of persuasion in sharing one’s beliefs. It’s not enough to simply state facts or commandments; one must also demonstrate the value and appeal of those beliefs. This is a two-pronged approach: first, make the faith desirable, then prove its truth.

Applying this concept to today’s world, it could be seen as a strategy for any form of communication or persuasion, not just religious evangelism. Whether it’s marketing a product, advocating for a social cause, or trying to influence behavior change, the process is similar: make people want the outcome, then provide evidence that the method or belief system will lead to that desired outcome.

In terms of personal development, this quote could be interpreted as a reminder to first create a vision that is appealing enough to motivate change. For example, if you want to be healthier, you need to first visualize the benefits of a healthy lifestyle, like having more energy or living longer, that make you wish it were your reality. Then, you need to show yourself that it is possible by learning about nutrition and exercise, setting realistic goals, and tracking your progress. In this way, you are making yourself wish that your desired state were true, and then showing yourself that it is.