As every inquiry which regards religion is of the utmost importance, there are two questions in particular which challenge our attention, to wit, that concerning its foundation in reason, and that concerning it origin in human nature. David Hume More Quotes by David Hume More Quotes From David Hume The simplest and most obvious cause which can there be assigned for any phenomena, is probably the true one. David Hume obvious words-of-wisdom causes The sweetest path of life leads through the avenues of learning, and whoever can open up the way for another, ought, so far, to be esteemed a benefactor to mankind. David Hume learning life way And though the philosopher may live remote from business, the genius of philosophy, if carefully cultivated by several, must gradually diffuse itself throughout the whole society, and bestow a similar correctness on every art and calling. David Hume political philosophy art In this sullen apathy neither true wisdom nor true happiness can be found. David Hume sullen empathy apathy The identity that we ascribe to things is only a fictitious one, established by the mind, not a peculiar nature belonging to what we’re talking about. David Hume identity mind talking An established government has an infinite advantage, by that very circumstance of its being established--the bulk of mankind being governed by authority, not reason, and never attributing authority to anything that has not the recommendation of antiquity. David Hume infinite government reason Philosophy would render us entirely Pyrrhonian, were not nature too strong for it. David Hume philosophical strong philosophy The best taxes are such as are levied upon consumptions, especially those of luxury; because such taxes are least felt by the people. They seem, in some measure, voluntary; since a man may choose how far he will use the commodity: They naturally produce sobriety and frugality, if judiciously imposed: And being confounded with the natural price of the commodity, they are scarcely perceived by the consumers. Their only disadvantage is that they are expensive in the levying. David Hume luxury men people For my part, when I enter most intimately into what I call myself, I always stumble on some particular perception or other, of heat or cold, light or shade, love or hatred, pain or pleasure. I never can catch myself at any time without a perception, and never can observe anything but the perception. David Hume pain light self To philosopher and historian the madness and imbecile wickedness of mankind ought to appear ordinary events. David Hume stupidity events ordinary And what is the greatest number? Number one. David Hume philosophical competition numbers In a vain man, the smallest spark may kindle into the greatest flame, because the materials are always prepared for it. David Hume vanity flames men Character is the result of a system of stereotyped principals. David Hume philosophical results character The great charm of poetry consists in lively pictures of the sublime passions, magnanimity, courage, disdain of fortune; or thoseof the tender affections, love and friendship; which warm the heart, and diffuse over it similar sentiments and emotions. David Hume passion poetry heart Friendship is a calm and sedate affection, conducted by reason and cemented by habit; springing from long acquaintance and mutual obligations, without jealousies or fears, and without those feverish fits of heat and cold, which cause such an agreeable torment in the amorous passion. David Hume passion friendship long I do not have enough faith to believe there is no god. David Hume there-is-no-god enough believe Nothing is pure and entire of a piece. All advantages are attended with disadvantages. A universal compensation prevails in all conditions of being and existence. David Hume advantage existence pieces 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. David Hume miracle decision men 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. David Hume corn collaboration today Poets themselves, tho' liars by profession, always endeavour to give an air of truth to their fictions. David Hume air liars giving
