BP. A.

The exact quote from Blaise Pascal’s Pensées is:()

“All of humanity’s problems stem from man’s inability to sit quietly in a room alone.”

This is often cited as Pensée #139, under the section titled Divertissement (Distraction). In the original French, it reads:

“Tout le malheur des hommes vient d’une seule chose, qui est de ne pas savoir demeurer en repos dans une chambre.”

Pascal observed that humans frequently seek distractions to avoid confronting their own thoughts and inner emptiness. He believed that this avoidance leads to various societal and personal issues. This insight remains relevant today, highlighting the challenges many face in embracing solitude and introspection.

If you’re interested in exploring more of Pascal’s thoughts, you might consider reading the full Pensées, which delves into themes of faith, reason, and the human condition.()