The meaning of this sentence is that thoughts form the greatness of people. There is no difference between people and reeds, but with thoughts, they are different from reeds.

This sentence comes from "Thoughts" by the French thinker Pascal.

Man is just a reed, the most fragile thing in nature; but he is a thinking reed. It does not take the entire universe to take up arms to destroy it; a breath or a drop of water is enough to kill him.

Yet, even if the universe destroys him, man is still infinitely nobler than that which kills him; for he knows his own death, and the advantage which the universe has over him, and which But he knew nothing.

Thus, all our dignity lies in our thoughts. It is because of it and not because of the space and time we cannot fill that we must improve ourselves. Therefore, we should strive to think well; this is the principle of morality. ?

Thinking reed - I should pursue my own dignity, not from space, but from the rules of my own thoughts.

Extended information:

The book "Appreciation of Pascal's Thoughts" was first published in France in 1670. The book has become a classic in the history of world thought and culture due to its polemical edge, profundity of thought and smooth writing. It has had a profound impact on later generations and is considered the foundation of French classical prose.

Pascal is a very religious thinker. He believed that man was completely in sin and could only be saved by the gift of God. However, he also inherited the tradition of rationalism and conducted rational discussions on issues such as human nature, life, society, philosophy and religion.

Baidu Encyclopedia - Pascal

Baidu Encyclopedia - "Thoughts"