The fact that different cultures have different practices no more refutes [moral] objectivism than the fact that water flows in different directions in different places refutes the law of gravity.
DAVID HUMEHe is happy whose circumstances suit his temper, but he is more excellent who can suit his temper to his circumstance.
More David Hume Quotes
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The science of man is the only solid foundation for the other sciences.
DAVID HUME -
Epicurus’s old questions are still unanswered: Is he (God) willing to prevent evil, but not able? then he is impotent. Is he able, but not willing? then he is malevolent. Is he both able and willing? then whence evil?
DAVID HUME -
Nothing is more usual than for philosophers to encroach upon the province of grammarians; and to engage in disputes of words, while they imagine that they are handling controversies of the deepest importance and concern
DAVID HUME -
To philosophers and historians, the madness and imbecile wickedness of mankind ought to appear ordinary events.
DAVID HUME -
The feelings of our heart, the agitation of our passions, the vehemence of our affections, dissipate all its conclusions, and reduce the profound philosopher to a mere plebeian.
DAVID HUME -
Where am I, or what? From what causes do I derive my existence, and to what condition shall I return?
DAVID HUME -
Reason is, and ought only to be the slave of the passions.
DAVID HUME -
Men’s views of things are the result of their understanding alone. Their conduct is regulated by their understanding, their temper, and their passions.
DAVID HUME -
To be a philosophical Sceptic is the first and most essential step towards being a sound, believing Christian.
DAVID HUME -
Any pride or haughtiness, is displeasing to us, merely because it shocks our own pride, and leads us by sympathy into comparison, which causes the disagreeable passion of humility.
DAVID HUME -
But the life of a man is of no greater importance to the universe than that of an oyster.
DAVID HUME -
It is possible for the same thing both to be and not to be.
DAVID HUME -
It is, therefore, a just political maxim, that every man must be supposed a knave.
DAVID HUME -
Heaven and Hell suppose two distinct species of men, the good and bad.
DAVID HUME -
The truth springs from arguments amongst friends.
DAVID HUME