Blaise Pascal: 'You always admire what you really don't understand.'

You always admire what you really don't understand.

The quote by Blaise Pascal, "You always admire what you really don't understand," reflects upon a fundamental aspect of human nature - our tendency to appreciate and admire things that we find mysterious or beyond our comprehension. This quote signifies that our admiration stems from a lack of understanding rather than true appreciation for the intricacies of a subject. It highlights the innate human curiosity and fascination with the unknown, as well as the role that ignorance can play in shaping our perceptions and emotions.At first glance, this quote might seem straightforward, simply suggesting that admiration often arises from a lack of comprehension. However, delving deeper into its implications opens up a door to a philosophical concept that explores the relationship between ignorance, understanding, and the nature of admiration itself.Let us consider the concept of the "philosophical unknown." This term encompasses ideas, theories, and phenomena that lie beyond the scope of our current understanding. The philosophical unknown is a realm of existence where conventional logic does not apply, and it challenges our most deeply ingrained beliefs and assumptions.The philosophical unknown differs from ordinary ignorance in its ability to intrigue and inspire awe. It invites us to question our own understanding of reality, pushing the boundaries of what we thought possible. In this sense, the philosophical unknown becomes a source of admiration, stirring within us a profound longing to comprehend what lies just beyond our intellectual grasp.When we encounter something we don't fully understand, we often direct our admiration towards it. As Pascal suggests, this admiration arises from a place of ignorance, and it compels us to embark on a journey of discovery. We yearn to unravel the mysteries, seeking knowledge and understanding, which in turn deepens our admiration for the subject.By contrast, when we truly comprehend something, our admiration may wane. Familiarity tends to breed indifference, and as we unravel the layers of complexity and gain a comprehensive understanding, our awe diminishes. This is not to say that understanding negates admiration entirely, but rather that the initial spark of fascination and admiration often arises from encountering the unknown.One might argue that true admiration stems from a balance between understanding and curiosity. It is when we possess enough knowledge to appreciate the significance of the subject, yet still retain a sense of wonder for its intricacies. Here, admiration becomes an ongoing process, fueled by a continuous quest for knowledge and exploration into the depths of the unknown.In conclusion, Pascal's quote provides us with an insight into the complex nature of admiration and its relation to our understanding of the world. It highlights how our fascination often arises from encountering the unknown, while our comprehension may lead to a more nuanced, but potentially diminished, form of admiration. By embracing the philosophy of the unknown, we can find a harmonious balance between understanding and curiosity, keeping the flame of admiration alive as we continue to explore the endless mysteries that lie before us.