Chance gives rise to thoughts, and chance removes them; no art can keep or acquire them.

The quote "Chance gives rise to thoughts, and chance removes them; no art can keep or acquire them." comes from Blaise Pascal, the 17th-century French mathematician, physicist, and philosopher best known for his works on probability, theology, and human nature. In this statement, Pascal reflects on the unpredictable and fleeting nature of thoughts, noting that they often appear and disappear through chance, beyond our deliberate control.

The meaning behind the quote lies in its observation about the uncontrollable aspects of the human mind. Pascal suggests that while people might try to use art—meaning skill, method, or deliberate technique—to hold onto or create certain ideas, thoughts are ultimately subject to the randomness of mental processes. Chance determines when an idea surfaces and when it fades, reminding us that creativity and insight cannot always be forced or engineered.

The origin of this sentiment is tied to Pascal’s lifelong interest in the relationship between reason and human experience. As one of the early thinkers to study probability, he was keenly aware of how chance plays a role not just in the physical world, but also in the workings of the mind. His philosophical writings, such as those in Pensées, often explore the tension between human control and the unpredictability of life and thought.

Ultimately, Pascal’s words serve as a humbling reminder of the limits of human mastery over the creative and intellectual process. While discipline and skill can help nurture an environment for ideas, the arrival and disappearance of thoughts remain, to a large extent, governed by chance—a reality that artists, writers, scientists, and thinkers must accept as part of the creative journey.