Faith certainly tells us what the senses do not, but not the contrary of what they see; it is above, not against them

Faith certainly tells us what the senses do not, but not the contrary of what they see; it is above, not against them

Blaise Pascal, a renowned French mathematician, physicist, and philosopher, is often remembered for his profound insights on faith and reason. One of his most famous quotes, “Faith certainly tells us what the senses do not, but not the contrary of what they see; it is above, not against them,” encapsulates his belief in the harmonious relationship between faith and reason.

Pascal understood that faith and reason are not mutually exclusive, but rather complementary ways of understanding the world. While the senses provide us with tangible evidence of the physical world, faith offers a deeper understanding of the spiritual and metaphysical realms that are beyond the reach of our senses. In this sense, faith transcends the limitations of the senses and allows us to perceive truths that cannot be perceived through empirical observation alone.

However, Pascal also recognized the importance of reason in guiding our understanding of the world. He believed that faith should not contradict or go against the evidence provided by our senses, but rather enhance and elevate our understanding of reality. In other words, faith should not be used as a tool to deny or ignore the physical world, but rather as a means to deepen our understanding of it.

Pascal’s quote can be interpreted as a call for balance and harmony between faith and reason. While faith provides us with spiritual insights and truths that go beyond the limitations of the senses, reason helps us make sense of the physical world and navigate our way through it. By embracing both faith and reason, we can achieve a more holistic and comprehensive understanding of the world around us.