EN
This article discusses Pascal’s understanding of the human being as an entity which has been deeply contaminated by original sin. The extreme imperfection of the human nature is an inborn state which man is unable to change. The only thing a human being can do in this situation is struggle with his own nature and try to get closer to God, hoping that God’s loving-kindness will save him despite his sinful nature. Pascal does not attempt to explain how it is possible that man is at the same time a reflection of God and an entity so deeply contaminated by sin – he treats this phenomenon as the basicontradiction of human nature. However, in consequence, his starting point is different, i.e. it is the contamination with original sin, the misery of human existence and the uncertainty of being that make humans seek God and attempt to live in accordance with God’s rules.