Quotes from David Hume

The simplest and most obvious cause which can there be assigned for any phenomena, is probably the true one.

The supposition that the future resembles the past, is not founded on arguments of any kind, but is derived entirely from habit.

When men are most sure and arrogant they are commonly most mistaken, giving views to passion without that proper deliberation which alone can secure them from the grossest absurdities.

When I hear that a man is religious, I conclude he is a rascal!

The heart of man is made to reconcile the most glaring contradictions.

When men are most sure and arrogant they are commonly most mistaken.

Heaven and hell suppose two distinct species of men, the good and the bad. But the greatest part of mankind float betwixt vice and virtue.

Examine the religious principles which have, in fact, prevailed in the world. You will scarcely be persuaded that they are other than sick men's dreams.

In a vain man, the smallest spark may kindle into the greatest flame, because the materials are always prepared for it.

Municipal laws are a supply to the wisdom of each individual; and, at the same time, by restraining the natural liberty of men, make private interest submit to the interest of the public.

Avarice, the spur of industry.

A man posing for a painting.

It affords a violent prejudice against almost every science, that no prudent man, however sure of his principles, dares prophesy concerning any event, or foretell the remote consequences of things.

The unhappy of all men is he who believes himself to be so.

A delicacy of taste is favorable to love and friendship, by confining our choice to few people, and making us indifferent to the company and conversation of the greater part of men.

Men are much oftener thrown on their knees by the melancholy than by the agreeable passions.

But it is a miracle that a dead man should come to life; because that has never been observed in any age or country.

And what is the greatest number? Number one.

Moving from an objective statement of fact to a subjective statement of value does not work, because it leaves open questions that have not been answered.

A hundred cabinet-makers in London can work a table or a chair equally well; but no one poet can write verses with such spirit and elegance as Mr. Pope.

Men often act knowingly against their interest.

It is seldom that liberty of any kind is lost all at once.

In all ages of the world, priests have been enemies of liberty.

The Crusades - the most signal and most durable monument of human folly that has yet appeared in any age or nation.