Generally speaking, the errors in religion are dangerous; those in philosophy only ridiculous.
—David Hume
Topics: Religion
A man’s genius is always, in the beginning of life, as much unknown to himself as to others; and it is only after frequent trials, attended with success, that he dares think himself equal to those undertakings in which those who have succeeded have fixed the admiration of mankind.
—David Hume
Topics: Genius
It is certain that a serious attention to the sciences and liberal arts softens and humanizes the temper, and cherishes those fine emotions in which true virtue and honor consist. It very rarely happens that a man of taste and learning is not, at least, an honest man, whatever frailties may attend him.
—David Hume
Topics: Science
Among well-bred people a mutual deference is affected, contempt for others is disguised; authority concealed; attention given to each in his turn; and an easy stream of conversation maintained without vehemence, without interruption, without eagerness for victory, and without any airs of superiority.
—David Hume
Topics: Manners, Conversation
Human happiness seems to consist in three ingredients; action, pleasure, and indolence. And though these ingredients ought to be mixed in different proportions, according to the disposition of the person, yet no one ingredient can be entirely wanting without destroying in some measure the relish of the whole composition.
—David Hume
Topics: Happiness
All power, even the most despotic, rests ultimately on opinion.
—David Hume
Topics: Opinion
A man’s time, when well husbanded, is like a cultivated field, of which a few acres produces more of what is useful to life, than extensive provinces, even of the richest soil, when overrun with weeds and brambles.
—David Hume
Topics: Time
Disbelief in futurity loosens in a great measure the ties of morality, and may be for that reason pernicious to the peace of civil society.
—David Hume
Topics: Beliefs
He is happy whose circumstances suit his temper; but he is more excellent who can suit his temper to any circumstances.
—David Hume
Topics: Acceptance, Chance, Happiness, Life
It is harder to avoid censure than to gain applause, for this may be done by one great or wise action in an age; but to escape censure a man must pass his whole life without saying or doing one ill or foolish thing.
—David Hume
Topics: Criticism
The most unhappy of all men is he who believes himself to be so.
—David Hume
Topics: Unhappiness, Positive Attitudes, Optimism
The law always limits every power it gives.
—David Hume
Topics: Power
Wondering Whom to Read Next?
- Immanuel Kant Prussian German Philosopher
- Thomas Reid Scottish Philosopher
- John Stuart Mill English Philosopher, Economist
- Bertrand A. Russell British Philosopher, Mathematician
- Adam Smith Scottish Philosopher
- John Locke English Philosopher
- R. G. Collingwood British Historian, Philosopher
- Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz German Philosopher, Mathematician
- Francis Bacon English Philosopher
- Colin Wilson British Philosopher