Quotes by David Hume

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The more a man's way of life depends on chance, the more he leaves prey to superstitions.

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What can be said about the history of religions? Doubt, uncertainty, giving up any opinion - this is apparently the result of a thorough study of this problem.

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My greatest happiness, my fullest satisfaction, is to read, to walk, to dream, and to believe.

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Love is nothing but a desire to make another person happy.

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A true skeptic has a distrustful attitude toward his own doubts as toward philosophical writings.

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Wickedness... is a sudden desire to do harm to another person, so that by comparison with our own situation we may feel satisfaction.

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If courage and ambition are not regulated by good will, they can make a person a tyrant or a thief.

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Whether any act is virtuous or vicious, it is only a sign of a certain trait of soul or character; a deed must proceed from the fixed principles of our spirit, which apply to all human conduct, and which are part of his personal character.

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If the only motive for our actions is the desire to prove our freedom, then we cannot free ourselves from the chains of necessity.

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What we call heroic valor, and what we admire as grandeur and elevation of spirit, is nothing but a form of calm and grounded pride and self-respect.

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In mercy, there is always a mixture of love and tenderness, and in malice, a mixture of hatred and anger.

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A good goal can only be valuable if the means sufficient to achieve it are equally valuable.

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People have a common tendency to imagine that everything that exists is similar to them, and to attribute to each object those features that they know well and understand directly.

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Self-respect... creates the rules of justice and is the first reason for observing the latter.

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A civilized nation can easily err in the choice of its own philosopher.

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Happy is he who lives in conditions corresponding to his temperament, but perfect is he who knows how to adapt his temperament to all conditions.

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A man who talks a lot about himself finds it difficult to get rid of vanity.

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The ruler of life is not mind but habit. It alone forces the mind to assume in all cases that the future corresponds to the past.

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Nothing is so free as the thought of man.

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Nothing can be more praiseworthy than a sense of one's own dignity, in those cases where we are indeed endowed with valuable qualities.

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A people without religion, if it exists, is only a little higher than the animals.

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We condemn every deception, every breach of the word, because we believe that the freedom and breadth of communication between people is completely dependent on fidelity to promises.

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Darkness is loathsome to the mind as well as to the sight; nothing could bring us so much pleasure as giving us the possibility of turning darkness into light, no matter how much effort we might have to make.

"I have long entertained a suspicion, with regard to the decisions of philosophers upon all subjects, and found in myself a greater inclination to dispute, than assent to their conclusions."

"There is no such thing as freedom of choice unless there is freedom to refuse."

"In our reasonings concerning fact, there are all imaginable degrees of assurance. A wise man therefore proportions his belief to the evidence."

"The most perfect happiness, surely, must arise from the contemplation of the most perfect object."

"Though experience be our only guide in reasoning concerning matters of fact; it must be acknowledged, that this guide is not altogether infallible, but in some cases is apt to lead us into errors."

"When we run over libraries, persuaded of these principles, what havoc must we make? If we take in our hand any volume; of divinity or school metaphysics, for instance; let us ask, Does it contain any abstract reasoning concerning quantity or number? No. Does it contain any experimental reasoning concerning matter of fact and existence? No. Commit it then to the flames: For it can contain nothing but sophistry and illusion."

"When any opinion leads us into absurdities, 'tis certainly false; but 'tis not certain an opinion is false, because 'tis of dangerous consequence."

"Each adventurous genius will still leap at the arduous prize, and find himself stimulated, rather that discouraged, by the failures of his predecessors; while he hopes that the glory of achieving so hard an adventure is reserved for him alone."

"I may venture to affirm of the rest of mankind, that they are nothing but a bundle or collection of different perceptions, which succeed each other with an inconceivable rapidity, & are in a perpetual flux and movement."

"No testimony is sufficient to establish a miracle, unless the testimony be of such a kind, that its falsehood would be more miraculous, than the fact, which it endeavors to establish."

"Where the riches are engrossed by a few, these must contribute very largely to the supplying of the public necessities."

"At present they philosophers seem to be in a very lamentable condition, and such as the poets have given us but a faint notion of in their descriptions of the punishment of Sisyphus and Tantalus. For what can be imagin'd more tormenting, than to seek with eagerness, what for ever flies us; and seek for it in a place, where 'tis impossible it can ever exist?"

"Nothing is more surprising than the easiness with which the many are governed by the few."

"They all make up new species of crime and bring unhappiness in their train. When I hear a man is religious , I conclude he is a rascal , though I know some instances of very good men being religious."

"When principles are so absurd and so destructive of human society, it may safely be averred, that the more sincere and the more disinterested they are, they only become the more ridiculous and the more odious."

"If subjects must never resist, it follows that every prince, without any effort, policy, or violence, is at once rendered absolute and uncontrollable."

"The Divinity is a boundless Ocean of Bliss and Glory: Human minds are smaller streams, which, arising at first from the ocean, seek still, amid all wanderings, to return to it, and to lose themselves in that immensity of perfection. When checked in this natural course, by vice or folly, they become furious and enraged, and, swelling to a torrent, do then spread horror and devastation on the neighboring plains."

"Nothing is more admirable, than the readiness, with which the imagination suggests its ideas, and presents them at the very instant, in which they become necessary or useful."

"The worst speculative Sceptic ever I knew, was a much better Man than the best superstitious Devotee & Bigot." "I must inform you, too, that this was the way of thinking of the Antients on this Subject. If a Man made Proffession of Philosophy, whatever his Sect was, they alaways expected to find more Regulaity in his Life and Manners, than in those of ignorant & illiterate."

"If Shakespeare be considered as a MAN born in a rude age and educated in the lowest manner, without any instruction either from the world or from books, he may be regarded as a prodigy; if represented as a POET capable of furnishing a proper entertainment to a refined or intelligent audience, we must abate much of this eulogy. In his compositions, we regret that many irregularities, and even absurdities, should so frequently disfigure the animated and passionated scenes intermixed with them; and, at the same time, we perhaps admire the more those beauties on account of their being surrounded by such deformities. A striking peculiarity of sentiment, adapted to a single character, he frequently hits, as it were, by inspiration; but a reasonable propriety of thought he cannot for any time uphold. Nervous and picturesque expressions as well as descriptions abound in him; but it is in vain we look either for purity or simplicity of diction. His total ignorance of all theatrical art and conduct, however material a defect, yet, as it affects the spectator rather than the reader, we can more easily excuse than that want of taste which often prevails in his productions, and which gives way only by intervals to the irradiations of genius. [....] And there may even remain a suspicion that we overrate, if possible, the greatness of his genius; in the same manner as bodies often appear more gigantic on account of their being disproportioned and misshapen."

"It is an observation suggested by all history, and by none more than by that of James I and his successor, Charles I, that the religious spirit, when it mingles with faction, contains in it something supernatural and unaccountable; and that, in its operations upon society, effects correspond less to their known causes than is found in any other circumstance of government."

"Our senses inform us of the colour, weight, and consistence of bread; but neither sense nor reason can ever inform us of those qualities which fit it for the nourishment and support of a human body."

"What is easy and obvious is never valued; and even what is in itself difficult, if we come to the knowledge of it without difficulty, and without any stretch of thought or judgment, is but little regarded."

"Explanation is where the mind rests."

"The passion for philosophy, like that for religion, involves a certain danger. Although it aims to correct our behaviour and wipe out our vices, it may—through not being handled properly—end up merely encouraging us to carry on in directions that we’re already naturally inclined to follow."

"Thomas Hobbes's politics are fitted only to promote tyranny, and his ethics to encourage licentiousness."

"Beauty exists merely in the mind which contemplates things; and each mind perceives a different beauty; and every individual ought to acquiesce in his own sentiment, without pretending to regulate those of others."

"Nay, if we should suppose, what seldom happens, that a popular religion were found, in which it was expressly declared that nothing but morality could gain the divine favor; if an order of priests were instituted to inculcate this opinion in daily sermons and with all the arts of persuasion; yet so inveterate are the people's prejudices, that, for want of some other superstition, they would make the very attendance on these sermons the essentials of religion, rather than place them in virtue and good morals."

"Be a philosopher; but amidst all your philosophy, be still a man."

"Rousseau is the person whom I most revere both for the Force of his Genius and the Greatness of his mind [...]"

"The admirers and followers of the Al Koran insist on the excellent moral precepts interspersed throughout that wild and absurd performance...Would we know, whether the pretended prophet had really attained a just sentiment of morality, let us attend to his narration, and we shall soon find, that he bestows praise upon such instances of treachery, inhumanity, cruelty, revenge, bigotry, as are utterly incompatible with civilised society. No steady rule of right conduct seems there to be attended to: and every action is blamed or praised, so far only as it is beneficial or harmful to the true believers."

"Governments too steady and uniform, as they are seldom free, so are they, in the judgment of some attended with another sensible inconvenience: they abate the active powers of men; depress courage, invention, and genius; and produce a universal lethary in the people."

"When men are most sure and arrogant, they are commonly the most mistaken, and have then giver views to passion, without that proper deliberation and suspense which can alone secure them from the grossest absurdities."

"There is nothing to be learnt from a Professor, which is not to be met with in Books."

"The Old Testament, [...] if considered as a general rule of conduct, would lead to consequences destructive of all principles of humanity and morality."

"It's seldom that liberty of any kind is lost all at once."

"It is, therefore, a just political maxim, that every man must be supposed a knave."

"While Newton seemed to draw off the veil from some of the mysteries of nature, he showed at the same time the imperfections of the mechanical philosophy, so agreeable to the natural vanity and curiosity of men; and thereby restored her ultimate secrets to that obscurity, in which they ever did and ever will remain."

"(On belief in miracles) - The gazing populace receive greedily, without examination, whatever soothes superstition and promotes wonder."

"It is difficult for a man to speak long of himself without vanity."

"Beauty in things exits merely in the mind which contemplates them."

"There is no craving or demand of the human mind more constant and insatiable than that for exercise and employment, and this desire seems the foundation of most of our passions and pursuits."

"A miracle is a violation of the laws of nature; and as a firm and unalterable experience has established these laws, the proof against a miracle, from the very nature of the fact, is as entire as any argument from experience as can be imagined."

"There is no method of reasoning more common, and yet none more blamable, than, in philosophical disputes, to endeavor the refutation of any hypothesis, by a pretense of its dangerous consequences to religion and morality."

"What a peculiar privilege has this little agitation of the brain which we call 'thought'."

"Hear the verbal protestations of all men: Nothing so certain as their religious tenets. Examine their lives: You will scarcely think that they repose the smallest confidence in them."

"The intense view of these manifold contradictions and imperfections in human reason has so wrought upon me, and heated my brain, that I am ready to reject all belief and reasoning, and can look upon no opinion even as more probable or likely than another. Where am I, or what? From what causes do I derive my existence, and to what condition shall I return? Whose favour shall I court, and whose anger must I dread? What beings surround me? and on whom have, I any influence, or who have any influence on me? I am confounded with all these questions, and begin to fancy myself in the most deplorable condition imaginable, invironed with the deepest darkness, and utterly deprived of the use of every member and faculty. Most fortunately it happens, that since reason is incapable of dispelling these clouds, nature herself suffices to that purpose, and cures me of this philosophical melancholy and delirium, either by relaxing this bent of mind, or by some avocation, and lively impression of my senses, which obliterate all these chimeras. I dine, I play a game of backgammon, I converse, and am merry with my friends; and when after three or four hours' amusement, I would return to these speculations, they appear so cold, and strained, and ridiculous, that I cannot find in my heart to enter into them any farther."

"Heaven and Hell suppose two distinct species of men, the Good and the Bad. But the greatest part of mankind float betwixt vice and virtue."

"Beauty in things exists in the mind which contemplates them."

"Your corn is ripe today; mine will be so tomorrow. 'Tis profitable for us both, that I should labour with you today, and that you should aid me tomorrow. I have no kindness for you, and know you have as little for me. I will not, therefore, take any pains upon your account; and should I labour with you upon my own account, in expectation of a return, I know I should be disappointed, and that I should in vain depend upon your gratitude. Here then I leave you to labour alone; You treat me in the same manner. The seasons change; and both of us lose our harvests for want of mutual confidence and security."

"Liberty of any kind is never lost all at once."

"When anyone tells me that he saw a dead man restored to life, I immediately consider with myself whether it be more probable that this person should either deceive or be deceived or that the fact which he relates should really have happened. I weigh the one miracle against the other and according to the superiority which I discover, I pronounce my decision. Always I reject the greater miracle. If the falsehood of his testimony would be more miraculous than the event which he relates, then and not till then, can he pretend to command my belief or opinion."

"It is an absurdity to believe that the Deity has human passions, and one of the lowest of human passions, a restless appetite for applause."

"If we take in our hand any volume; of divinity or school metaphysics, for instance; let us ask, Does it contain any abstract reasoning concerning quantity or number? No. Does it contain any experimental reasoning concerning matter of fact and existence? No. Commit it then to the flames: for it can contain nothing but sophistry and illusion."

"When men are most sure and arrogant they are commonly most mistaken, giving views to passion without that proper deliberation which alone can secure them from the grossest absurdities."

"He is happy whose circumstances suit his temper, but he is more excellent who can suit his temper to his circumstance."

"The truth springs from arguments amongst friends."

"Reading and sauntering and lounging and dosing, which I call thinking, is my supreme Happiness."

"Reason is, and ought only to be the slave of the passions."

"Nothing appears more surprising to those who consider human affairs with a philosophical eye than the easiness with which the many are governed by the few, and the implicit submission with which men resign their own sentiments and passions to those of their rulers. When we enquire by what means this wonder is effected, we shall find, that, as force is always on the side of the governed, the governors have nothing to support them but opinion. It is therefore, on opinion only that government is founded, and this maxim extends to the most despotic and most military governments, as well as to the most free and most popular. The soldan of Egypt, or the emperor of Rome, might drive his harmless subjects, like brute beasts, against their sentiments and inclination. But he must at least have led his mamalukes, or prætorian bands, like men, by their opinion."

"To philosopher and historian the madness and imbecile wickedness of mankind ought to appear ordinary events."

"It is seldom that liberty of any kind is lost all at once."

"Custom, then, is the great guide of human life. It is that principle alone which renders our experience useful to us, and makes us expect, for the future, a similar train of events with those which have appeared in the past. Without the influence of custom, we should be entirely ignorant of every matter of fact beyond what is immediately present to the memory and senses. We should never know how to adjust means to ends, or to employ our natural powers in the production of any effect. There would be an end at once of all action, as well as of the chief part of speculation."

"The fact that different cultures have different practices no more refutes moral objectivism than the fact that water flows in different directions in different places refutes the law of gravity."

"Be a philosopher, but amid all your philosophy be still a man."

"The bigotry of theologians [is] a malady which seems almost incurable."

"Beauty in things exists in the mind that contemplates them."

"Carelessness and in-attention alone can afford us any remedy. For this reason I rely entirely upon them."

"All knowledge degenerates into probability."

"Celibacy,fasting, penance, mortification, self-denial, humility, silence, solitude and the whole train of monkish virtues...Stupify the understanding and harden the heart, obscure the fancy and sour the temper...A gloomy hair-brained enthusiast, after his death, may have a place in the calendar, but will scarcely ever be admitted, when alive, into intimacy and society, except by those who are as delerious and dismal as himself."

"Reason is, and ought only to be the slave of the passions, and can never pretend to any other office than to serve and obey them. …'Tis not contrary to reason to prefer the destruction of the whole world to the scratching of my finger."

"Men's views of things are the result of their understanding alone. Their conduct is regulated by their understanding, their temper, and their passions."

"A wise man apportions his beliefs to the evidence."

"It is possible for the same thing both to be and not to be."

"A purpose, an intention, a design, strikes everywhere even the careless, the most stupid thinker."

"Epicurus's old questions are still unanswered: Is he (God) willing to prevent evil, but not able? then he is impotent. Is he able, but not willing? then he is malevolent. Is he both able and willing? then whence evil?"

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Beauty is not a property of the things themselves, but arises merely in the mind of the beholder.

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No matter how many white swans we see, we cannot conclude with certainty that all swans are white, and seeing just one black swan is enough to overturn this assumption.

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Conflict cannot be avoided even on the most insignificant issues, and a firm decision cannot be reached on the most important issues either.

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Reason is only a slave to passion, and it must remain so.

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The only objects of abstract science and proof are quantity and number, and any attempt to extend the more perfect kind of knowledge beyond these limits is mere sophistry and a delusion.

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There is no evidence that would be sufficient to prove a miracle, if only (...) its falsity would count as a miracle much more than the fact we intended to prove.

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Reason is only a slave to passion, and it must remain so, it cannot claim any other task than to serve and obey it.

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To me, there is no more obvious truth than that animals have the same capacity for thought and intelligence as humans.