We should never know how to adjust means to ends, or to employ our natural powers in the production of any effect. There would be an end at once of all action, as well as of the chief part of speculation.
DAVID HUMECarelessness and in-attention alone can afford us any remedy. For this reason I rely entirely upon them.
More David Hume Quotes
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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 HUME -
We make allowance for a certain degree of selfishness in men; because we know it to be inseparable from human nature, and inherent in our frame and constitution. By this reflexion we correct those sentiments of blame, which so naturally arise upon any opposition.
DAVID HUME -
It is, therefore, a just political maxim, that every man must be supposed a knave.
DAVID HUME -
It is possible for the same thing both to be and not to be.
DAVID HUME -
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 -
Be a philosopher; but, amidst all your philosophy, be still a man.
DAVID HUME -
Beauty in things exists in the mind which contemplates them
DAVID HUME -
A purpose, an intention, a design, strikes everywhere even the careless, the most stupid thinker.
DAVID HUME -
Heaven and Hell suppose two distinct species of men, the good and bad.
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 -
All knowledge degenerates into probability.
DAVID HUME -
But the life of a man is of no greater importance to the universe than that of an oyster.
DAVID HUME -
Tis not unreasonable for me to prefer the destruction of the whole world to the scratching of my finger.
DAVID HUME -
A miracle is a violation of the laws of nature.
DAVID HUME