According to Pascal, imagination is the true controller of people. In his book Human Happiness, Pascal says, “Imagination decides everything: it creates beauty, justice and happiness” (Human Happiness, p. 7). The thoughts our imaginations bring to us impacts everything from our decisions for the future to our impressions of other people. Pascal illustrates the power of imagination by discussing the long gowns and big hat physicians wear (Human Happiness, p. 6); such regal clothing doesn’t affect how well of a doctor someone is, but it often decides how much respect he commands. Pascal does not think anyone is safe from the effects of imagination. Imagination is apparently so powerful it can control even the wisest of men (Human Happiness, p. 4). No matter how much reason may try to object, it is in vain. One of the problems with imagination being in control is that it leads us to believe things that aren’t true. Pascal describes it as the “master of error and falsehood” (Human Happiness, p.3). Imagination is faulty because it relies solely on circumstances inside the head that we create, instead of focusing on outside factors.
Pascal has an interesting point of view on the effects of imagination on people’s happiness. He believes that people who rely on imagination are happier than people who attempt to rely on reason. He says “Those who are clever in imagination are for more pleased with themselves than prudent men could reasonably be” (Human Happiness, p. 4). It is easy to understand how those who live in their imagination and follow their impulses would seem happier than people who have reason to guide their decisions. However, I believe this happiness is only short term. If you live in your head for too long, it’s going to be extremely difficult for anyone outside to connect with you.
Pascal believes that in the battle between reason and imagination, reason is more often than not on the losing side. “Reason never wholly overcomes imagination, while the contrary is quite common” (Human Happiness, p. 6). We are more inclined to listen to imagination than reason because we have an immediate access to imagination. Proper reason takes time to consider many different factors. Pascal also believes a that every action of man is motivated by imagination, therefore reason must become more like imagination in order to to be used (Human Happiness, p.6). Pascal even goes so far as to say that anyone who follows reason alone is a fool. I think what Pascal is saying is that reason must be willing to explore all options; just as there are no limits to imagination, reason should be willing to consider all the options. I don’t like the idea of reason changing to look like imagination, however, the most powerful argument Pascal makes on imagination over reason is that we can’t reach God through reason. It is faith moving our hearts that leads us to Him (Human Happiness, p. 20-21). Reason will only take us so far because we can’t completely prove the existence of God. If we could, there would be no need for faith.
Descartes has a very different view on reason and imagination. Descartes believes that reason can overcome imagination if the person takes the time to find the truth in the thought. Even though all of our thoughts come from God, and everything that comes from Him is truth, our imagination can trick us if we don’t use reason to discover truth in the thought. “We ought never to let ourselves be convinced except on the evidence of our reason” (A Discourse on the Method, p. 34). Descartes uses the example of sense when illustrating this point. We know the sun isn’t as small as it looks to us on earth because logically it is the distance that clouds our senses. Descartes also believes that imagination is the wrong tool with which to seek God. He compares people who seek God using their imagination to those who try to use their eyes to hear or smell. “Neither our imagination nor our senses could ever confirm the existence of anything, if our intellect did not get to play its part” (A Discourse on the Method, p. 32). However, I believe that imagination has to be in control at some point. We use make logical conclusions about the existence of God in order to make it to a certain point before faith can take over.
A unique characteristic of human beings is our ability to reason. If we didn’t use reason, we would do things just for our desires in that moment without thinking of the consequences; we would live in constant state of disillusion. God has instilled the faculty of reason in each of us, and we must decide if we’re going to use it or let it go stale and follow only the imagination. On the other hand, God also gave each of us an imagination so He must have intended for us to use it. I believe our imagination allows us to explore new ideas and open up our creative sides, but reason is needed to keep it in check. In comparing the ideals of Pascal and Descartes, it’s important to keep in mind the audience and the reason each gentleman is writing. Pascal’s view of imagination seems to me to be more of what he’s observed, not necessarily what people should practice. Descartes’ whole system of determining what principles are true by reasoning them out so that he can practice and inform people of the truest principles. By combining reason and imagination, we can have big dreams while also staying grounded in the truth.
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