Blaise Pascal
From Conservapedia
Blaise Pascal (1623-1662) was a French mathematician and philosopher. Homeschooled by his father, Pascal wrote his first scientific paper at age 8 and by 16 had written a mathematical essay advancing the field of geometry.
At age 19, Pascal invented the first calculating machine. At age 23, Pascal proved the existence of the vacuum, which made possible barometers, hydraulic devices and hypodermic syringes.
Pascal is credited with developing the mathematical theory of probability. He also contributed to calculus.
At age 31, Pascal developed a deep relationship with Christ. To help others know Christ, Pascal proposed a "wager" (Pascal's wager):
- Christianity must be either true or false. If you bet that it's true and accept Christ, then if it is true you have gained everything. If it's false, then you've lost nothing and have had a good and happy life. But if you bet that Christianity is false, and it turns out to be true, then you have lost everything.
Pascal wrote:
- When everything is moving at once, nothing appears to be moving, as on board ship. When everyone is moving toward depravity, no one seems to be moving, but if someone stops, he shows up the others who are rushing on, by acting as a fixed point. - Pascal, quoted in The Silence of Adam: Becoming Men of Courage (Page 170)
References
- Pensees, Blaise Pascal - "http://oregonstate.edu/instruct/phl302/texts/pascal/pensees-contents.html".
