Monday Morning Quote – Blaise Pascal on Being Long-Winded

Another week at our fingertips and there’s nothing like a little insight into the life of a child prodigy to inspire productivity. For today’s Monday Morning Quote:

I have made this letter longer than usual because I lack the time to make it shorter. - Blaise Pascal Inventor, Mathematician, and Wearer of Wristwatches

Born in the 17^th century and living only 39 years, Frenchman Blaise Pascal started his life as a child prodigy and grew up to become a well-known mathematician, physicist, writer, and inventor, while also contributing written works to both theology and philosophy.

Before he was 20, Pascal invented the mechanical calculator, which was able to calculate basic arithmetic. And although Peter Henlein is recognized as the inventor of the wristwatch, Pascal was allegedly the first to wear a timepiece around his wrist. Not only an inventor, but also a trendsetter!

Pascal’s early interest in mathematics led him to become involved in the foundation of the probability theory and also in establishment of what is now known as Pascal’s triangle, an arrangement of numbers that helps determine probability and find combinations.

Among his contributions to mathematics and science, Pascal was also deeply influenced by religion. Having suffered from illness throughout most of his adult life, it was actually his father’s need for medical attention that first introduced him to religion and prompted him to write about various theological issues.

So although his weakness might have been lengthy correspondences, Pascal certainly made up for it with his contributions to society. After all, someone had to be the first to sport the wristwatch.

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