La dernière chose qu'on trouve en faisant un ouvrage est de savoir celle qu'il faut mettre la première. (<i>The last thing one settles in writing a b… - Blaise Pascal

The last thing one knows when writing a book is what to put first.

É impossível compreender que Deus exista, e é também impossível compreender que não exista; que a alma esteja unida ao corpo, e que não exista alma; que o mundo tenha sido criado, e que não tenha sido criado...

Man is only a reed, the weakest in nature, but he is a thinking reed. There is no need for the whole universe to take up arms to crush him: a vapour, a drop of water is enough to kill him. but even if the universe were to crush him, man would still be nobler than his slayer, because he knows that he is dying and the advantage the universe has over him. The universe knows none of this.

It is superstitious to put one's hope in formalities, but arrogant to refuse to submit to them.