Blaise Pascal was a 17th-century philosopher born in Clermont-Ferrand, France. He was an extremely intelligent man and recognized as a genius from a young age. During his early adulthood and at various stages throughout his life, he made significant contributions in science, mathematics, and engineering. However, he was notably a pessimistic figure and believed that our default state of life was unhappiness.

His most notable piece of work was called "Pensées." It is a collection of thoughts and ideas that explores various philosophical ideologies and concepts. It delves into human nature, religion, morality, and our deep-rooted connection to faith and God. The book is known for its profound insights, despite being unfinished due to Pascal's death at the young age of 39. "Pensées" is highly regarded for its reflections on the human condition and continues to be widely studied and discussed globally.

Pascal argued that human beings are inherently flawed and fallible and that true happiness and meaning in life can only be found through faith in God. He also believed in the idea of pure scepticism, embracing rationality and logical thinking alongside religious faith.

One aspect I found quite interesting is that Pascal didn't believe humans could ever truly find absolute truth due to our limitations and biases. Because of the subjective nature of our lives, influenced by various external factors such as economics, culture, family, and personal ideologies, it is predetermined that we think and behave in particular ways. While we can think for ourselves and form opinions, it is challenging to separate the entirety of our lives up until a given moment and determine if it has truly impacted us. Thus, understanding what truth is, who holds it, and whether it even exists becomes a complex question.

Overall, I found Pascal to be quite intriguing. Despite his personal suffering and pessimism, his philosophy provided guidance towards a greater good and a search for happiness. Pascal's philosophy underscores the intersection of faith, reason, and personal experience, highlighting the role of religion in providing meaning, purpose, and fulfillment in life.

Thanks,

Dean