“The greatness of man is great in that he knows himself to be wretched. A tree does not know itself to be wretched.”
- June 19, 1623 – August 19, 1662
- French
- Mathematician, Physicist, Inventor, Philosopher, Theologian
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Quote
“The greatness of man is great in that he knows himself to be wretched. A tree does not know itself to be wretched.”
Explanation
Pascal presents one of his most profound and paradoxical insights: that human greatness lies not in strength or virtue, but in self-awareness. While man is indeed wretched—fragile, mortal, prone to sin and error—his ability to recognize this condition sets him apart from all other creatures. A tree, though alive, lacks consciousness of its existence and limitations. But man, in knowing his misery, reveals a deeper dimension of rationality, conscience, and potential for transcendence.
This idea is central to Pascal’s anthropology in Pensées, where he constantly explores the dual nature of humanity: “grandeur and misère”—greatness and wretchedness. Man is not like the beasts, because he can think, love, and hope; and yet, he is not like the angels, because he suffers, errs, and dies. This tension is not a flaw, but a marker of human uniqueness, and it points toward man’s capacity for repentance, humility, and ultimately, for relationship with God.
In a modern age that often seeks to affirm self-worth while denying suffering or weakness, Pascal’s quote offers a counterpoint. True dignity does not come from denying our brokenness, but from facing it honestly and using that awareness to grow. It is in the recognition of our limitations—not their denial—that we find the seed of wisdom, compassion, and redemption. To know one is wretched is, paradoxically, the first step toward greatness.
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