...And Now For the Math

I realize I've talked a lot about philosophy lately, so I think it's time to mention my involvement with mathematics because it's a big part of my life. 
My main focuses in math are conic sections, projective geometry, probability, and a digital type of calculator I've invented.
I studied conic sections and projective geometry more when I was younger and getting educated by my father, and you may recognize how the theory of probability I've been developing relates to my philosophy - specifically, the passage in Pensées I call "the Wager" that I mentioned in an earlier post.
You may not be aware, though, that I have created 49 calculators of mine since my invention of the first. I've made improvements on the original Pascaline, as I refer to it, that I had made when I was 18 to help my father with his taxes.
The final product:
,
the inside                                            the outside
The first Pascaline could only manage 5-digit numbers, but my latest can take up to 8 digits. They all can add, subtract, multiply and divide. Unfortunately, the machines are quite delicate, and the math can be wrong if they are not treated with extreme care. I have also been unable to make money off of these, despite all of the hard work I had to do in order to make these function. My greatest issue in the designing of it was the complicated technical problems I came across because I had to divide the French livre into 240. (Because there are 20 sols in a livre and 12 deniers in a sol.)
Hopefully, the Pascaline will benefit people more in the future, if not in my generation.                               

New Project: Pensées

1657

The Lettres Provinciales are extremely popular. I heard this morning that the authorities are trying to find their clever author.

Good luck with that one, guys.

Anyway, I completely agree with this author, but I also believe Jansenism isn’t the only religion in need of protection. In fact, the entire Christian faith needs to be defended, what with the onset of skepticism and rationalism brought on by our society’s revolution in thinking! The revolution started with Galileo’s letter to Christina of Tuscany, in which he argued why there should be a balance between religion and logic. That makes sense, but now the scale is being tipped and the logic is coming out on top! How can one stand strong in his faith amid a changing world that is questioning seemingly all traditional religious ideas?

That is why I have started taking notes for my Pensées, a project I think will be finished in 10 years. It will detail my thoughts on theology.

In one on my passages, which I have thought of as The Wager, I use logic to explain why one should believe in God. My point is:

There is NO point to NOT believing in God! If you risk not believing in Him, and you die and discover that He is in fact real, you’ll have to suffer the consequences of choosing not to believe. Whereas if you die a believer and He turns out to be real, you’ll be rewarded for your faith; even if He does not exist, no harm could come to you.

Makes sense, right?
Remember to stand strong in your faith through these changing times, but don't be afraid to question. Use your logic to figure things out. As I have written in Pensées, "Man is only a reed, the weakest thing in nature, but he is a thinking reed."

A Rant on Jesuits

I have a serious issue with Jesuit casuists. Their moral does not make an ounce of sense to me.

First of all, how can stealing ever be considered moral? Jesuits, just bend all the rules of basic human decency for your convenience, why don’t you?

And why are people today leading such luxurious lives? Why can’t people just satisfy their basic needs? This indulgence is not necessary! Speaking of which, how can you possibly put the poor’s lives at risk by not making it obligatory for those with high incomes to donate some of their wealth to the deprived?!  And what about your dress code?! How can you allow young women to dress so fancily, as older do? Which reminds me: older ladies should not overdress! This is getting ridiculous! Society’s women has to stop acting as though they are royalty (unless, of course, they are), and quit pretending they cannot see the desperate pleading for help! Young ladies also need to understand that they obey their fathers, and should one not give his blessing to for his daughter to marry her choice, she needs to find another man until her father, her master, is pleased!

Honestly, how stupid can a society be? The Jesuits have far surpassed my initial concerns. Worse, their idiotic thinking is catching on! The 17^th century is going to ruin! I’ve been working on a collection of letters to protest these particular injustices, and many others. Your support would greatly help.

However, don't be aggressive. Be passionate, be sincere, be supportive, but never harm others to prove your religious arguments. I warned this recently to a group of fellow thinkers: "Men never do evil so cheerfully and so completely as when they do so from religious conviction."

Thnx. J

Change is Coming

November 26^th, 1654.

Three nights ago I had the most incredible experience of my life.

I could feel God around me.

I knew his love and forgiveness intimately, and though I was raised as a Catholic, it seems my views on religion have drastically changed. Four days ago I wasn’t strong in my faith. Four days ago I was a completely different person – I was hanging out with womanizers and gamblers.

I had been depressed for a long time before that conversation with the Lord God. While I was talking to Him I felt absolute peace. Heavenly peace. My depression left me the instant I could sense His presence.

You’re probably wondering what this could possibly have to do with you.

It is time for a change. You, reading this, will be one of the first to understand the changes that will be coming soon. Last year, Pope Innocent X condemned Cornelius Jansen (the founder of Jansenism)’s interpretation of the nature of grace. I follow Jansenism, so I strongly disagree with the Pope.

People have forever been afraid to go against the Pope, for fear of going against God. Remember, Catholicism isn’t the only sect of Christianity. Don’t be scared, Jansenists. Stand up for what you believe in. Change is coming, and Jesuit beliefs don’t have to be part of the outcome.