As every inquiry which regards religion is of the utmost importance, there are two questions in particular which challenge our attention, to wit, that concerning its foundation in reason, and that concerning it origin in human nature.
DAVID HUMEAs every inquiry which regards religion is of the utmost importance, there are two questions in particular which challenge our attention, to wit, that concerning its foundation in reason, and that concerning it origin in human nature.
DAVID HUMEThe victory is not gained by the men at arms, who manage the pike and the sword; but by the trumpeters, drummers, and musicians of the army.
DAVID HUMEGenerally speaking, the errors in religion are dangerous; those in philosophy only ridiculous.
DAVID HUMEIt is difficult for a man to speak long of himself without vanity.
DAVID HUMEThe Crusades – the most signal and most durable monument of human folly that has yet appeared in any age or nation.
DAVID HUMEThere is nothing to be learnt from a Professor, which is not to be met with in Books.
DAVID HUMEWe 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 HUMEBut the greatest part of mankind float between vice and virtue.
DAVID HUMEIt is an absurdity to believe that the Deity has human passions, and one of the lowest of human passions, a restless appetite for applause
DAVID HUMETis not unreasonable for me to prefer the destruction of the whole world to the scratching of my finger.
DAVID HUMEAll knowledge degenerates into probability.
DAVID HUMEWe 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 HUMEThe science of man is the only solid foundation for the other sciences.
DAVID HUMEEpicurus’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 HUMETo philosophers and historians, the madness and imbecile wickedness of mankind ought to appear ordinary events.
DAVID HUMEIt is possible for the same thing both to be and not to be.
DAVID HUME