A paradox is an idea or situation that appears to contradict itself but that is nevertheless true. The purpose of a paradox is to provoke fresh thought and draw the reader's attention. An example of a paradox is the statement, "Less is more."

In addressing his point of view of the universe, Pascal wrote, "I will picture to him not only the visible universe, but the conceivable immensity of nature, in the compass of this abbreviation of an atom." Pascal reduces the apparently infinitely great and large to its actual small position. Pascal uses this paradox to show the universe and its great magnitude compared to an atom. The American Heritage Dictionary defines the word, "magnitude" as "greatness in siz

"...What is man in the midst of nature? A nothing in comparison with the infinite, an all in comparison with nothingness: a mean between nothing and all." Pascal wrote this to inform mankind that they are "nothing" in the universe. The paradox, "...mean between nothing and all," indicates man's position. A "mean" is the middle point between two extremes; the infinite and nothingness. In mathematics, it is known as an average. Pascal wanted to send his message: an individual is nothing in nature. However, individuals are everything when compared to nothingness. This is also reflected on Pascal's thoughts on how a person lies somewhere in the middle. That person is capable of comprehending the smallest things. However, the "proper value" of humankind is a being of limited powers. According to Pascal, only God can comprehend nothingness and the infinite. Pascal encourages his readers to look up to God and his special ability.

In order to aid humankind in conceiving their powers and limitations, Pascal's paradoxes indicate man's position in the infinite. Man is everything compared to nothingness and does not have the ability to know everything in this world. This is man's natural state, " Such is our true state. This is what renders us incapable of certain knowledge and absolute ignorance..." However, with man's ability to think, he can save himself from this unfortunate downfall. Everything that humans are depends on their thinking.

Pascal used his many paradoxes to gain the attention of the reader to what is being said. Paradox was used to make Pascal's writing emotionally intense and concentrated. In addition to these paradoxes, Pascal used scientific and mathematical inquiries to better express his thoughts and ideas on humankind. In "Man and the Universe," Pascal's primary message to humankind is: recognize your powers and limitations and act accordingly. His message is embodied throughout all his paradoxes.

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Approximate Word count = 1705
Approximate Pages = 7 (250 words per page double spaced)