A human is only a reed, but a thinking reed.

What it means

A drop of water can kill us, Pascal says, yet even then we are nobler than the universe, because we know we die. Our dignity lies in thought. Use it.

The source

"A human is only a reed, but a thinking reed." Pascal said it in Pensées 347 (Brunschvicg). Translated from the original French by Spartan Surfers.

"L'homme n'est qu'un roseau, le plus faible de la nature, mais c'est un roseau pensant."

Original French, Pensées 347 (Brunschvicg). Text read at archive.org.

Who said it

Pascal (1623–1662). French mathematician and inventor who left his notes on the human condition unfinished. They were published after his death as the Pensées.

Questions

What does "A human is only a reed, but a thinking reed." mean?

A drop of water can kill us, Pascal says, yet even then we are nobler than the universe, because we know we die. Our dignity lies in thought. Use it.

Who said "A human is only a reed, but a thinking reed."?

Pascal (1623–1662). Source: Pensées 347 (Brunschvicg).

What is the original French?

L'homme n'est qu'un roseau, le plus faible de la nature, mais c'est un roseau pensant. Translated from the original French by Spartan Surfers.

Is "A human is only a reed, but a thinking reed." on a shirt?

Yes. We print it to order on our tees in 7 illustrated looks, from $44, with free US shipping.

"A human is only a reed, but a thinking reed." (Pascal, Pensées 347 (Brunschvicg), translated by Spartan Surfers). https://spartansurfers.com/quotes/a-human-is-only-a-reed-but-a