“FIRE. God of Abraham, God of Isaac, God of Jacob, not of philosophers and scholars. Certitude, heartfelt joy, peace. God of Jesus Christ . . . My God and your God. . . . Joy, Joy, Joy, tears of joy . . .”

—MATHEMATICIAN AND PHILOSOPHER BLAISE PASCAL, FROM HIS NOTE TO HIMSELF AFTER HIS CONVERSION. HE KEPT IT SEWN IN HIS COAT, WHERE IT WAS FOUND AFTER HIS DEATH.