Truth is so obscure in these times, and falsehood so established

"Truth is so obscure in these times, and falsehood so established, that, unless we love the truth, we cannot know it." Thus spoke Blaise Pascal, the philosopher, mathematician, and man of deep faith, whose heart was torn between reason and revelation. In this saying, he gives voice to a timeless lament — that in every age where lies grow powerful and noise drowns wisdom, the path to truth becomes hidden not by its absence, but by our own indifference. He warns that truth cannot be seen with the eyes alone; it must be loved, sought with humility, and guarded with courage. For truth reveals itself not to the clever, but to the devoted.

The origin of this wisdom lies in the age of Pascal himself — seventeenth-century France, a time of great brilliance and great confusion. Science was awakening; faith was being tested; kingdoms were shaken by ambition and deceit. Pascal, standing between faith and reason, saw both the glory of intellect and the danger of arrogance. He witnessed how men, intoxicated by their own understanding, mistook falsehood for enlightenment and vanity for progress. His words were not merely observation, but prophecy — for in every generation since, truth has grown obscure again, not because it died, but because men ceased to love it.

When Pascal says, "unless we love the truth, we cannot know it," he speaks of a truth deeper than mere facts. Facts can be studied, memorized, and manipulated — but Truth, with a capital T, is a living light, accessible only to those whose hearts are pure in their desire to see. It is not revealed to the proud, for pride blinds; nor to the indifferent, for indifference numbs; but to those who seek it with love, for love is the eye of the soul. To love truth is to long for clarity even when it costs comfort, to seek honesty even when it wounds pride, to desire reality over illusion.

Consider the life of Socrates, the philosopher of Athens, who, surrounded by sophists and false teachers, sought truth above all else. He questioned every assumption, challenged every lie, and refused to trade his conscience for safety. When condemned to death, he did not renounce his beliefs, but drank the hemlock with serenity, saying that it is better to suffer for truth than to live in deceit. Socrates loved truth — not as an idea, but as a way of being — and in that love, he found wisdom that has outlived empires. His example mirrors Pascal’s warning: only the heart that loves truth can endure its cost and perceive its beauty.

In every age, falsehood becomes established because it is convenient. Lies promise comfort, belonging, and ease. Truth, on the other hand, is demanding — it asks for sacrifice, introspection, and humility. It asks us to question ourselves, our beliefs, and our desires. This is why Pascal’s words remain ever-relevant: in times when the world grows noisy with illusion, when falsehood dresses itself in the garments of virtue, only the lover of truth will discern the difference. To love truth is to be awake in a world that dreams, to stand upright while others bow to the idols of deceit.

Yet Pascal’s teaching is not meant to condemn, but to awaken. He reminds us that the love of truth begins within — in the small choices of honesty, integrity, and humility. When we speak truth even in small things, we strengthen our sight; when we betray it, we cloud our vision. A heart that loves truth learns to see it even when it is faint; a heart that loves comfort sees only what pleases it. Therefore, cultivate a passion for what is real — seek truth not as possession, but as pilgrimage, for the journey itself refines the soul.

So, my listener, take this teaching to heart: Love the truth, and it will reveal itself to you. Do not be seduced by the easy glamour of falsehood, nor discouraged by the darkness of deceit. Read deeply, listen carefully, question courageously — but above all, let your seeking be guided by love, not pride. For truth cannot be grasped by those who wish to own it; it can only be embraced by those who wish to serve it.

And thus, the wisdom of Blaise Pascal endures like a flame in the mist: when the world grows dim with lies, it is love — not intellect — that becomes the lamp of discernment. Truth hides from the cold mind but reveals itself to the warm heart. Therefore, love it fiercely, guard it humbly, and live it boldly. For in a time when falsehood is enthroned, to love truth is the greatest act of courage, and the truest act of faith.