David Hume
David Hume
David Hume– 25 August 1776) or David Homewas a Scottish philosopher, historian, economist, and essayist, who is best known today for his highly influential system of radical philosophical empiricism, skepticism, and naturalism...
NationalityScottish
ProfessionPhilosopher
Date of Birth7 May 1711
ideas giving feelings
When I am convinced of any principle, it is only an idea which strikes more strongly upon me. When I give the preference to one set of arguments above another, I do nothing but decide from my feeling concerning the superiority of their influence.
past experience events
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.
men experience sun
One would appear ridiculous who would say, that it is only probable the sun will rise to-morrow, or that all men must die; thoughit is plain we have no further assurance of these facts than what experience affords us.
age spirit virtue
The ages of greatest public spirit are not always eminent for private virtue.
son sacrifice ignorant
Where is the reward of virtue? and what recompense has nature provided for such important sacrifices as those of life and fortune, which we must often make to it? O sons of earth! Are ye ignorant of the value of this celestial mistress? And do ye meanly inquire for her portion, when ye observe her genuine beauty?
passion imagination affection
It is a certain rule that wit and passion are entirely incompatible. When the affections are moved, there is no place for the imagination.
writing natural fine
Fine writing, according to Mr. Addison, consists of sentiments which are natural without being obvious.
country men miracle
But it is a miracle that a dead man should come to life; because that has never been observed in any age or country.
philosophy elude weakness
The observation of human blindness and weakness is the result of all philosophy, and meets us at every turn, in spite of our endeavours to elude or avoid it.
simple praise epithet
What praise is implied in the simple epithet useful! What reproach in the contrary.
friendship environment conversation
The free conversation of a friend is what I would prefer to any environment.
blood justice treasure
Mankind are always found prodigal both of blood and treasure in the maintenance of public justice.
art hands ideas
Few enjoyments are given from the open and liberal hand of nature; but by art, labor and industry we can extract them in great abundance. Hence, the ideas of property become necessary in all civil society.
heart passion poetry
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.