“Concupiscence and force are the source of all our actions; concupiscence causes voluntary actions, force involuntary ones.”
- June 19, 1623 – August 19, 1662
- French
- Mathematician, Physicist, Inventor, Philosopher, Theologian
table of contents
Quote
“Concupiscence and force are the source of all our actions; concupiscence causes voluntary actions, force involuntary ones.”
Explanation
Pascal identifies two fundamental forces that govern human behavior: concupiscence (desire) and force (compulsion). Concupiscence—our inner drives, cravings, and self-interest—motivates our voluntary actions, shaping what we choose to do in pursuit of pleasure, security, or fulfillment. In contrast, force—external pressure or coercion—compels our involuntary actions, those we do out of necessity, fear, or under constraint. Together, these two dynamics explain much of human conduct, often leaving little room for pure reason or moral freedom.
In Pensées, Pascal often portrays human nature as fallen, conflicted, and deeply influenced by passions. He views concupiscence not merely as sensual lust, but more broadly as the selfish inclination that dominates the will in the absence of divine grace. Force, meanwhile, reflects the reality of political, social, or physical power acting upon individuals. Neither is inherently righteous, and both highlight how often our actions are driven not by virtue, but by pressure—whether internal or external.
This insight remains powerfully relevant in modern discussions of ethics, psychology, and social behavior. Whether in personal decisions, political systems, or economic structures, human action is frequently shaped by what we want and what we must endure. Pascal’s quote calls us to reflect on how often we mistake freedom for desire, or morality for compulsion, and to seek a deeper understanding—and transformation—of the forces that move us. True freedom, he implies, may lie beyond both concupiscence and force, in a higher order of grace and reason.
Would you like to share your impressions or related stories about this quote in the comments section?
