“Truly it is an evil to be full of faults; but it is a still greater evil to be full of them and to be unwilling to recognize them, since that is to add the further fault of a voluntary illusion.”
- June 19, 1623 – August 19, 1662
- French
- Mathematician, Physicist, Inventor, Philosopher, Theologian
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Quote
“Truly it is an evil to be full of faults; but it is a still greater evil to be full of them and to be unwilling to recognize them, since that is to add the further fault of a voluntary illusion.”
Explanation
Pascal distinguishes between moral weakness and moral blindness, asserting that while having faults is a human failing, refusing to acknowledge them is a far more dangerous condition. To be flawed is natural; to deny one’s flaws is to embrace self-deception, which not only preserves wrongdoing but actively prevents growth and repentance. This “voluntary illusion”—the deliberate refusal to face the truth—becomes a greater evil because it turns error into a conscious, sustained lie.
This insight reflects Pascal’s Christian anthropology in Pensées, where he explores the dual nature of humanity: fallen yet capable of redemption. For Pascal, humility is the beginning of grace; recognizing one’s sin is the necessary step toward salvation and moral improvement. The greater tragedy lies not in imperfection, but in the pride or fear that keeps a person from seeing and admitting it. Such blindness becomes an armor against truth, blocking both self-awareness and divine mercy.
Today, Pascal’s warning resonates in a world where image, pride, and denial often mask personal and societal faults. From leaders who refuse accountability to individuals who deflect blame, the refusal to recognize wrongdoing sustains cycles of harm. Pascal’s message is enduring: honest self-examination is the foundation of integrity, and acknowledging one’s faults is not weakness, but wisdom. It is through truth—not illusion—that healing and growth become possible.
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