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David Hume (7 May 1711 – 25 August 1776) was a Scottish Enlightenment philosopher, historian, economist, and essayist, who is best known today for his highly influential system of philosophical empiricism, skepticism, and naturalism.
There is a kind of contradiction between the two principles of human nature upon which religion is founded. Our natural terrors make us see a wicked deity [...]; our inclination to praise paints it as excellent and all-perfect.
1757
Source: The Natural History of Religion
When men aggrandize the idea of their divinity, this exaltation, most often, only bears upon power and intelligence; goodness is forgotten [...].
1757
Source: The Natural History of Religion
As the gods acquire more knowledge and authority, they become more fearsome.
1757
Source: The Natural History of Religion
Many popular religions, judging by the conceptions of common men, are truly a kind of demonism.
1757
Source: The Natural History of Religion
This internal conflict increases the terror, and gives a more hideous aspect to the phantoms that persecute the unfortunate victims of superstition.
1757
Source: The Natural History of Religion
Only the absolute necessity of moral principles for the maintenance of society can keep these principles pure in our minds.
1757
Source: The Natural History of Religion
However sublime the definition [...] that a religion may give of the divinity; [...] most believers will seek to attract divine favor less by virtue [...] than by frivolous observances [...], by fanatic ecstasies [...].
1757
Source: The Natural History of Religion
Once one has acquired the habit of virtues, they become as many pleasures; whereas superstition is always odious and inconvenient.
1757
Source: The Natural History of Religion
Let us never judge a man's morals by the fervor of his zeal [...]. The most enormous crimes are, on the contrary, very apt to give birth to religious terror, and to increase superstition.
1757
Source: The Natural History of Religion
The more terrible the god, the more docile and submissive we are to his ministers.
1757
Source: The Natural History of Religion
Cast your eyes over the nations and the times: examine the religious maxims which have been in vogue in the world, you will have difficulty persuading yourself that they are anything other than the dreams of a man in delirium.
1757
Source: The Natural History of Religion
Listen to the protestations of men, there is nothing of which they are so assured as the truth of their religion. Look at their conduct: you will doubt they ever had any religion at all.
1757
Source: The Natural History of Religion
Ignorance is the mother of devotion, a proverbial maxim, but one confirmed by experience.
1757
Source: The Natural History of Religion
Everything is an enigma and a mystery: doubt, uncertainty, suspense of judgment, these are the only results of our most exact inquiries.
1757
Source: The Natural History of Religion
While [superstitions] wage the most furious war against each other, we happily escape into the dark but tranquil regions of philosophy.
1757
Source: The Natural History of Religion
Self-love, the different opposing interests [...], the discussions that result from them in society, have obliged men to establish the laws of justice, in order to preserve the advantages of mutual assistance and protection.
1751
Source: An Enquiry Concerning the Principles of Morals
The continual contradictions in the world caused by pride [...] have forced the introduction of the rules of propriety or politeness, in order to facilitate the commerce of the mind and of conversation.
1751
Source: An Enquiry Concerning the Principles of Morals
To be fit for good company, one must have wit as well as politeness.
1751
Source: An Enquiry Concerning the Principles of Morals
If it is not easy to define wit, one can at least decide [...] that it is a quality agreeable to others, & which [...] inspires joy in all those who are able to feel its worth.
1751
Source: An Enquiry Concerning the Principles of Morals
I have noticed that among the French the first question about a foreigner is to ask: is he amiable? does he have wit? Whereas in our country [...] it is to say: he is a very sensible man.
1751
Source: An Enquiry Concerning the Principles of Morals
In society, the liveliness of conversation gives pleasure even to those who do not think of taking part in it; that is why men who speak at length [...] are so unbearable.
1751
Source: An Enquiry Concerning the Principles of Morals
Modesty [...] announces a distrust of one's own judgment, & a suitable deference for that of others; this quality is, especially in young people, a sure sign of wit & sense.
1751
Source: An Enquiry Concerning the Principles of Morals
The desire for reputation, far from deserving blame, seems inseparable from virtue, genius, talent, and a generous and elevated character.
1751
Source: An Enquiry Concerning the Principles of Morals
Vanity [...] consists in such an immoderate display of one's own advantages [...] that it can only offend others by shocking, without measure, their ambition and their secret vanity.
1751
Source: An Enquiry Concerning the Principles of Morals
Decency, or the observance of the regard due to the age, sex, station, and character of a person, may be counted among the qualities that are agreeable to others and deserve to be approved.
1751
Source: An Enquiry Concerning the Principles of Morals
We can [...] place cleanliness among the virtues [...] it makes us agreeable to others & serves to win their friendship & goodwill.
1751
Source: An Enquiry Concerning the Principles of Morals
There are men who have above others an air, a grace, a dexterity, a certain something that differs from beauty, and which makes an impression on us almost as prompt and as strong.
1751
Source: An Enquiry Concerning the Principles of Morals
Must we therefore entrust the practice of all virtues of this class to the sure, though blind, instinct of feeling and taste?
1751
Source: An Enquiry Concerning the Principles of Morals
Men [...] are inclined to esteem themselves rather above than below their worth, and that is why it is so easy to hurt us by carrying self-esteem too far.
1751
Source: An Enquiry Concerning the Principles of Morals
If it were permissible to praise oneself [...] one must feel that society would become unbearable from the deluge of impertinences with which we would flood each other.
1751
Source: An Enquiry Concerning the Principles of Morals
There is [...] a country in the world [...] where they have a way of thinking, especially in morality, which is diametrically opposed to ours.
1751
Source: An Enquiry Concerning the Principles of Morals
Such strange and barbarous customs are not at all suitable for an intelligent and civilized people [...] they revolt human nature...
1751
Source: An Enquiry Concerning the Principles of Morals
There are no customs, however innocent and reasonable they may be, that cannot be made odious or ridiculous, when judged by a model unknown to their authors.
1751
Source: An Enquiry Concerning the Principles of Morals
[I wanted] to show the uncertainty of all our judgments on the characters of men, and [...] that customs, fashion, and laws are what primarily determine matters of morality.
1751
Source: An Enquiry Concerning the Principles of Morals
The Rhine flows north, the Rhone south, yet these two rivers spring from the same mountain, and are consequently driven by the same principle...
1751
Source: An Enquiry Concerning the Principles of Morals
The principles of morality are everywhere the same, although the consequences that men draw from them are often very different.
1751
Source: An Enquiry Concerning the Principles of Morals
It seems that no moral quality has ever been regarded as a virtue [...], unless it was useful or agreeable either to the one who possesses it or to others.
1751
Source: An Enquiry Concerning the Principles of Morals
What motive would one have to extol an action, a character, if one agrees at the same time that these things are good for nothing?
1751
Source: An Enquiry Concerning the Principles of Morals
Men do not always agree in their judgments on the utility of an action, or of a custom...
1751
Source: An Enquiry Concerning the Principles of Morals
It is certain that perhaps nothing is more absurd and more barbarous than duels, but those who strive to justify them claim that they maintain consideration and politeness.
1751
Source: An Enquiry Concerning the Principles of Morals
It is not the province of the moralist to decide whether [men] reason more justly on this than on any other thing; it is enough that the original principles of censure or blame are uniform.
1751
Source: An Enquiry Concerning the Principles of Morals
Luxury may be harmful in Switzerland. It would ruin a man, whereas it only encourages industry [...] among the French or the English; one should not therefore expect to find the same laws established in Bern, London, and Paris.
1751
Source: An Enquiry Concerning the Principles of Morals
Today, religion has taken the place of philosophy; it keeps an eye on all our conduct: it has the right to regulate our actions, our words, even our thoughts and our inclinations.
1751
Source: An Enquiry Concerning the Principles of Morals
When men depart from the maxims of reason to embrace [...] an artificial life, no one can answer for what will please or displease them.
1751
Source: An Enquiry Concerning the Principles of Morals
Fine manners [...] are more arbitrary and accidental things, but the merit of mature age is almost the same in every country; it consists above all in integrity, humanity, knowledge...
1751
Source: An Enquiry Concerning the Principles of Morals
Virtue or personal merit consists in the possession of qualities of the soul which are useful or agreeable, either to the person who possesses them, or to others.
1751
Source: An Enquiry Concerning the Principles of Morals
It must be believed that systems and hypotheses have perverted and corrupted our understanding, since a theory so simple and natural could for so long escape the inquiries of men.
1751
Source: An Enquiry Concerning the Principles of Morals
There enters into our composition something of the character of the turtledove, though allied with that of the wolf and the serpent.
1751
Source: An Enquiry Concerning the Principles of Morals
It is enough that we be granted [...] that we experience within ourselves some benevolence, however slight, and that we feel some sparks of friendship for the human race.
1751
Source: An Enquiry Concerning the Principles of Morals
As long as the heart of man is as it is, it will never be totally indifferent to the well-being of humanity.
1751
Source: An Enquiry Concerning the Principles of Morals
The ambition of one man is not that of another [...] but the humanity of one man is that of all others, and the same object excites this sentiment in all men.
1751
Source: An Enquiry Concerning the Principles of Morals
Truths that are pernicious to society, if there are any of this kind, must give way to good and salutary errors.
1751
Source: An Enquiry Concerning the Principles of Morals
The love of glory and reputation is another spring of our machine, which gives much force to the moral sentiment; it is the passion of great souls.
1751
Source: An Enquiry Concerning the Principles of Morals
The proper pleasures of animality gradually lose their value; one strives to acquire moral and inner beauty, and the soul works to adorn itself with the perfections befitting a reasonable being.
1751
Source: An Enquiry Concerning the Principles of Morals
The only pain [virtue] requires is to calculate correctly, and to give preference to the greatest happiness.
1751
Source: An Enquiry Concerning the Principles of Morals
[Virtue] does not speak to us of superfluous austerities [...]; its sole project is to make its disciples and all men content, if possible, and to bring about their happiness at every moment of their existence.
1751
Source: An Enquiry Concerning the Principles of Morals
Why are celibacy, fasting, macerations, self-denial, humility [...] and all monastic virtues rejected by all sensible men? It is because they lead to nothing.
1751
Source: An Enquiry Concerning the Principles of Morals
Inner tranquility, the testimony of a good conscience, irreproachable morals, a pure and innocent life are things essential to our happiness.
1751
Source: An Enquiry Concerning the Principles of Morals
The wicked are at bottom the greatest dupes, for they have sacrificed the happiness of enjoying [...] the pleasure of being virtuous, to acquire trifles of no value.
1751
Source: An Enquiry Concerning the Principles of Morals
I am convinced that impudence and obstinacy are the companions of error: men who go astray give free rein to passion, without ever remaining in that state of reasonable suspension, which alone can protect them from the grossest absurdities.
1751
Source: An Enquiry Concerning the Principles of Morals
Of all the things proper to mortify human vanity, there is perhaps none more humiliating than to see the weakness [...] of the efforts of art [...] when it comes to equalling nature.
1742
Source: The Four Philosophers
The greatest genius, if not born a poet, cannot become one, or if nature [...] abandons him, he lays down the lyre, and does not flatter himself that he can supply, with the help of rules, that enthusiasm which is the sole principle of a divine harmony.
1742
Source: The Four Philosophers
[The most sterile of undertakings is] that of the philosophers [...] who have claimed to find the marvelous secret of producing an artificial happiness, a reasoned and reflected pleasure.
1742
Source: The Four Philosophers
You promise to make me happy, and you want to use [...] reason and the rules of art. But does my happiness not depend on my internal constitution?
1742
Source: The Four Philosophers
Happiness consists in rest and in pleasure, it is a state of ease and contentment: happiness flees from vigils; it abhors cares and fatigues.
1742
Source: The Four Philosophers
By tormenting myself [...], I may well arrive at pain; but, as for pleasure, however much I strive for it, I will never give it to myself, in spite of nature.
1742
Source: The Four Philosophers
Away with this insane and impossible contempt for all sensible things, for all external objects! This is not how nature speaks; I recognize no other language here than that of pride.
1742
Source: The Four Philosophers
However, the heart is empty, it is full of boredom [...] while the mind, deprived of the objects that alone can occupy and nourish it, is absorbed in the darkest melancholy.
1742
Source: The Four Philosophers
I am going to consult a more certain oracle, it is the voice of my inclinations, it is the cry of my passions. It is this, and not your frivolous writings, which can instruct me in the precepts of nature.
1742
Source: The Four Philosophers
Forgetting the past, banishing the worries of the future, let us enjoy the present; in each moment of our existence, let us seize this good, over which fate and fortune cannot exercise their whims.
1742
Source: The Four Philosophers
What is this glory that swells your hearts [...]? An echo, a shadow, a dream, the shadow of a dream.
1742
Source: The Four Philosophers
A bizarre fantasy makes you sacrifice all true pleasures to this vain smoke [glory], a worthy reward for its frivolity.
1742
Source: The Four Philosophers
Why should the idea of human fragility [...] trouble your most delicious hours? Why should this fatal poison corrupt pleasures at their very source...?
1742
Source: The Four Philosophers
Think rather that if life flees, if youth is but a flower that soon withers, we must all the more seize the moment when we possess it [...] & not lose any particle of such a fleeting existence.
1742
Source: The Four Philosophers
If there is a supreme intelligence [...] let us be assured that it takes pleasure in seeing us fulfill the purpose of our existence, by enjoying all the pleasures for which we were created.
1742
Source: The Four Philosophers
I have, from an early age, distrusted all the decisions of philosophers: & I have always felt more inclined to dispute their dogmas than to embrace them.
1742
Source: The Four Philosophers
A philosopher becomes attached to a favorite principle [...] at once he wants to subject the entire universe to it, & reduce all phenomena to it; which throws him into forced reasonings, & into countless absurdities.
1742
Source: The Four Philosophers
Where is the man who is not perfectly content with his way of life, and who would not believe himself unhappy to change it for that of his neighbor?
1742
Source: The Four Philosophers
Often what pleases them one day, displeases them the next; whatever efforts they make, it is not in their power to recall their past inclinations [...].
1742
Source: The Four Philosophers
Do you take philosophers for magicians, whose occult art can teach you things that surpass ordinary understanding?
1742
Source: The Four Philosophers
There is nothing which is, in itself, beautiful or ugly, worthy of love or hatred [...] these different qualifications depend solely on the sentiments and affections of each man [...].
1742
Source: The Four Philosophers
[...] beauty is not in the poem; it is in the taste of the reader.
1742
Source: The Four Philosophers
Objects have no value in themselves; they are worth only the price that our soul attaches to them.
1742
Source: The Four Philosophers
To be happy, desire must be neither too strong nor too weak.
1742
Source: The Four Philosophers
A life woven from pleasures [...] is infinitely more subject to disgust than a laborious life.
1742
Source: The Four Philosophers
Good and evil, both natural and moral, are only a matter of taste and feeling.
1742
Source: The Four Philosophers
Philosophy has but few true followers; and even over them it has only a very weak and very limited authority.
1742
Source: The Four Philosophers
It is certain that the serious cultivation of the sciences and fine arts softens and tames the temperament [...].
1742
Source: The Four Philosophers
Habit is a powerful means of correcting ourselves, by filling us with good dispositions and virtuous inclinations.
1742
Source: The Four Philosophers
To reduce life to laws and methods is to take on a difficult task, and most often a frivolous one.
1742
Source: The Four Philosophers
According to [some], benevolence is but hypocrisy, friendship a cheat, public spirit a farce, fidelity a snare to betray trust.
1751
Source: An Enquiry Concerning the Principles of Morals
Whatever affection one may feel [...] for others, it is not and cannot be disinterested; [...] the most generous friendship [...] is only a modification of self-love.
1751
Source: An Enquiry Concerning the Principles of Morals
The most generous patriot and the most sordid miser, the most magnanimous hero and the most cowardly man, in all their actions, equally have in view their own interest and personal happiness.
1751
Source: An Enquiry Concerning the Principles of Morals
I esteem a man whose self-love [...] is so directed as to give him a concern for others and to make himself useful to society.
1751
Source: An Enquiry Concerning the Principles of Morals
The natural sentiments, excited by the general appearances of things, are not easily destroyed by refined reflections on their common and imperceptible origin.
1751
Source: An Enquiry Concerning the Principles of Morals
The most careless observer soon perceives that there is such a disposition as benevolence and generosity; that there are such sentiments as love, friendship, compassion, and gratitude.
1751
Source: An Enquiry Concerning the Principles of Morals
Our passions are not susceptible to those impressions that come from the refinement of the mind and imagination.
1751
Source: An Enquiry Concerning the Principles of Morals
If we admit disinterested benevolence in the inferior species, by what rule of analogy can we refuse it in the superior?
1751
Source: An Enquiry Concerning the Principles of Morals
What interest can a fond mother have in view, who loses her health by her assiduous attendance on her sick child, and [...] afterwards dies of grief?
1751
Source: An Enquiry Concerning the Principles of Morals
Where is the difficulty in conceiving that the same is the case with benevolence and friendship [...], and that the primary constitution of our soul makes us desire the happiness of our fellow creatures?
1751
Source: An Enquiry Concerning the Principles of Morals
What is the malignity of a philosophy that will not grant to humanity and friendship the same rights that are forcedly acknowledged in atrocious sentiments such as hatred and resentment?
1751
Source: An Enquiry Concerning the Principles of Morals
The terms sociable, good-natured, humane [...] exist in all languages, and universally express the highest merit which human nature is capable of attaining.
1751
Source: An Enquiry Concerning the Principles of Morals
Superior talents, unshaken courage [...] only expose one to envy; but when these qualities are joined with humanity and beneficence, envy itself is silenced.
1751
Source: An Enquiry Concerning the Principles of Morals
In men of mediocre capacity, the social virtues become [...] still more necessary, because nothing can compensate for the lack of these virtues, nor shield a man from our hatred.
1751
Source: An Enquiry Concerning the Principles of Morals
In all moral determinations, the circumstance of public utility is always what is principally in view.
1751
Source: An Enquiry Concerning the Principles of Morals