“It is natural for the mind to believe and for the will to love; so that, for want of true objects, they must attach themselves to false.”
- June 19, 1623 – August 19, 1662
- French
- Mathematician, Physicist, Inventor, Philosopher, Theologian
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Quote
“It is natural for the mind to believe and for the will to love; so that, for want of true objects, they must attach themselves to false.”
Explanation
Pascal observes that belief and love are not optional functions of the human soul, but innate tendencies. The mind naturally seeks something to believe in, just as the will yearns for something to love. When true and worthy objects—such as truth, goodness, or God—are not present or are rejected, the mind and will do not cease their activity; instead, they attach themselves to falsehoods and illusions. This highlights a core human vulnerability: our need for meaning makes us susceptible to error if we are not vigilant in what we accept and pursue.
In Pensées, Pascal often warns of the danger of diverting belief and love away from their rightful ends. Without grounding in the eternal or the transcendent, people place their faith in fleeting things—ideologies, idols, fame, pleasure, or power. These false objects may temporarily satisfy the intellect or emotions, but ultimately lead to disillusionment and unrest. Pascal’s insight reflects his theological view that only God is the proper object of full belief and love, and that misplacing these faculties distorts the human condition.
This idea resonates powerfully today, in an age where belief systems and emotional attachments often form around transient or manipulative forces—social media personas, consumer brands, political cults, or empty entertainment. Pascal reminds us that our hearts and minds will serve something, and if we do not choose our objects wisely, we will fall prey to substitutes. His quote is a call to seek truth and love with discernment, lest our deepest capacities be wasted on what is unworthy.
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