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Quote by David Hume

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A Treatise of Human Nature: Top Philosophy Collections

This compilation includes foundational texts that have significantly influenced the study of human nature, psychology, and ethics, showcasing the depth and breadth of philosophical inquiry throughout history. more

Author

David Hume
David Hume

David Hume, born on May 7, 1711, in Edinburgh, Scotland, and died on August 25, 1776, was an outstanding philosopher, historian, and economist. Known for his contributions to empiricism and skepticism, his works have had a profound impact on subsequent philosophy, economics, and psychology. more

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“It seems certain, that though a man, in a flush of humour, after intense reflection on the many contradictions and imperfections of human reason, may entirely renounce all belief and opinion, it is impossible for him to persevere in this total scepticism, or make it appear in his conduct for a few hours.”

MenHumansMayReasonSeemsCertainBeliefHoursOpinionImpossibleHumourHe ManReflectionIntenseContradictionImperfectionSkepticismPersevereRenounceScepticismHuman Reason
Book:An Enquiry Concerning Human Understanding
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“Were a man, whom I know to be honest and opulent, and with whom I live in intimate friendship, to come into my house, where I am surrounded with my servants, I rest assured, that he is not to stab me before he leaves it, in order to rob me of my silver standish; and I no more suspect this event, than the falling of the house itself which is new, and solidly built and founded.--But he may have been seized with a sudden and unknown frenzy.--So may a sudden earthquake arise, and shake and tumble my house about my ears.”

KnowsMenMayHas BeensOrderFallHouseBeliefHonestEventsHonestyBuiltEarsAriseBeing HonestServantIntimateShakesSilverSuspectsAssuredEarthquakesFrenzy
Book:An Enquiry Concerning Human Understanding: A Critical Edition
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“We can conceive a thinking being to have either many or few perceptions. Suppose the mind to be reduced even below the life of anoyster. Suppose it to have only one perception, as of thirst or hunger. Consider it in that situation. Do you conceive any thing but merely that perception? Have you any notion of self or substance? If not, the addition of other perceptions can never give you that notion.”

IfsThinkingGivingMindSelfSituationPerceptionNotionHungerSubstanceThirstOysters
Book:A Treatise of Human Nature: Illustrated
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“Justice is a moral virtue, merely because it has that tendency to the good of mankind, and indeed is nothing but an artificial invention to that purpose. The same may be said of allegiance, of the laws of nations, of modesty, and of good manners. All these are mere human contrivances for the interest of society.”

HumansMaySaidLawPurposeNationsInterestJusticeMoralVirtueSocietyMankindMereInventionTendenciesMannersGood ManArtificialModestyAllegianceGood MannersMoral Virtues
Book:A Treatise of Human Nature
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“The mention of one apartment in a building naturally introduces an enquiry or discourse concerning the others: and if we think ofa wound, we can scarcely forbear reflecting on the pain which follows it.”

IfsThinkingPainBuildingReflectionWoundsIntroducingApartmentDiscourseReflectingEnquiry
Book:An Enquiry Concerning Human Understanding; [with] A Letter from a Gentleman to His Friend in Edinburgh; [and] An Abstract of a Treatise of Human Nature
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