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List of David Hume Quotes

Explore our hand-picked selection of 383 inspiring quotes by David Hume.

About David Hume

  • Born: May 7, 1711
  • Died: August 25, 1776
  • Occupation: Philosopher
    • [rousseau] has not had the precaution to throw any veil over his sentiments; and as he scorns to dissemble his contempt of established opinions, he could not wonder that all the zealots were in arms against him.
    Veils Arms Opinion
    Convulsions in nature, disorders, prodigies, miracles, though the most opposite of the plan of a wise superintendent, impress mankind with the strongest sentiments of religion.
    Wise Opposites Miracle
    I do not think a philosopher who would apply himself so earnestly to the explaining the ultimate principles of the soul, would show himself a great master in the very science of human nature, which he pretends to explain, or very knowing in what is naturally satisfactory to the mind of man.
    Men Thinking Knowing
    The many instances of forged miracles, and prophecies, and supernatural events, which, in all ages, have either been detected by contrary evidence, or which detect themselves by their absurdity, prove sufficiently the strong propensity of mankind to the extraordinary and marvellous, and ought reasonably to begat a suspicion against all relations of this kind.
    Religious Strong Miracle
    It seems to me, that the only objects of the abstract sciences or of demonstration is quantity and number, and that all attempts to extend this more perfect species of knowledge beyond these bounds are mere sophistry and illusion.
    Knowledge Science Numbers
    Manufacturers...gradually shift their places, leaving those countries and provinces which they have already enriched, and flying to others, whether they are allured by the cheapness of provisions and labour.
    Country Flying Leaving
    But in many orders of beauty, particularly those of the finer arts, it is requisite to employ much reasoning, in order to feel the proper sentiment; and a false relish may frequently be corrected by argument and reflection. there are just grounds to conclude, that moral beauty partakes of this latter species, and demands the assistance of our intellectual faculties, in order to give it a suitable influence on the human mind.
    Art Reflection Order
    What praise is implied in the simple epithet useful! what reproach in the contrary.
    Simple Praise Epithet
    Battles, revolutions, pestilence, famine, and death, are never the effect of those natural causes, which we experience. prodigies,omens, oracles, judgments, quite obscure the few natural events, that are intermingled with them. but as the former grow thinner every pagewe soon learn, that there is nothing mysterious or supernatural in the case, but that all proceeds from the usual propensity of mankind towards the marvellous, and that, though this inclination may at intervals receive a check from sense and learning, it can never be thoroughly extirpated.
    Battle Oracles May
    Nothing is more favorable to the rise of politeness and learning, than a number of neighboring and independent states, connected together by commerce and policy.
    Independent Numbers Together
    But would we know, whether the pretended prophet had really attained a just sentiment of morals? let us attend to his narration; and we shall soon find, that he bestows praise on such instances of treachery, inhumanity, cruelty, revenge, bigotry, as are utterly incompatible with civilized society. no steady rule of right seems there to be attended to; and every action is blamed or praised, so far only as it is beneficial or hurtful to the true believers.
    Revenge Islam Hurtful
    Luxury is a word of uncertain signification, and may be taken in a good as in a bad sense
    Taken Luxury May
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