The Thoughts of Blaise Pascal. Blaise Pascal

distinctions of rank. Now if it showed respect to be seated in an arm-chair, we should pay respect to every body, and thus no distinction would be made, but being put to inconvenience we distinguish very well.

      The reason of effects.—We should keep our own secret thoughts, and judge of all by those, while speaking like every one else.

      King and tyrant.—I too will have my secret thoughts. I will take care on every journey.

      The reason of effects.—Epictetus. Those who say "You have a headache," this is not the same thing. We are assured of health, and not of justice, and indeed his own was folly.

      Yet he believed it demonstrable when he said, "it is either in our power or it is not."

      But he did not see that it is not in our power to regulate the heart, and he was wrong to draw this conclusion from the fact that some were Christians.

      The reason of effects.—It is owing to the weakness of man that so many things are esteemed beautiful, as to be well skilled in playing the lute.

      It is only an evil because of our weakness.