“Chance gives rise to thoughts, and chance removes them; no art can keep or acquire them.”
- June 19, 1623 – August 19, 1662
- French
- Mathematician, Physicist, Inventor, Philosopher, Theologian
table of contents
Quote
“Chance gives rise to thoughts, and chance removes them; no art can keep or acquire them.”
Explanation
Pascal reflects on the elusive and unpredictable nature of human thought, suggesting that our most profound or fleeting ideas often arise and vanish by chance, not by skill or will. Despite our efforts to master memory or summon inspiration, thoughts come and go with a mysterious spontaneity, defying control. No method, technique, or “art” can guarantee their arrival—or prevent their disappearance.
This insight connects with Pascal’s broader reflections in Pensées on the limits of reason and the fragility of human faculties. Even our greatest intellectual achievements are subject to uncertainty. One moment we are struck by insight, the next we are left in confusion. Our thoughts are not purely our own creations, but fragile gifts, influenced by mood, health, environment, or mystery. Pascal thus humbles the proud thinker, reminding us that our mental powers are far less stable and sovereign than we might believe.
In modern life—especially in creative fields or high-performance culture—this observation remains sharply relevant. Writers, artists, philosophers, and thinkers often speak of inspiration arriving unbidden and disappearing just as suddenly. Pascal’s quote is a reminder to remain humble in our intellect and open in our process: brilliance is not commanded, but welcomed, and we are not masters of our mind, but companions to its unpredictable rhythms.
Would you like to share your impressions or related stories about this quote in the comments section?
