To ridicule philosophy, that is really to act the philosopher.

[Se moquer de la philosophie c’est vraiment philosophe.]

Blaise Pascal (1623-1662) French scientist and philosopher

Thoughts [Pensées], Article 7, #35 (1670)

Pascal's works are sorted and classified by translators in a variety of ways, so numbering is inconsistent. Alternate translations:

• "To have no time for philosophy is to be a true philosopher." [tr. Krailsheimer (2003); Series 22, #513]
• "To make light of philosophy is to be a true philosopher." [tr. Paul (1885), "Various Thoughts"; also Trotter (1958), Sec. 1, #4]
• "To ridicule philosophy is really to philosophize." [#430]
• "To ridicule philosophy is truly philosophical."
• "To mock philosophy is to philosophize truly"
• "To mock philosophy is to be a true philosopher."