97+ David Hume Quotes [Empiricist]

David Hume, an 18th-century Scottish philosopher, economist, and historian, is known for his influential works on empiricism, skepticism, and moral philosophy.

His quotes reflect his philosophical views and provide insights into his key ideas.

Here are some characteristics of David Hume’s quotes:

1. Empiricism: Hume was a prominent advocate of empiricism, the philosophical position that knowledge is primarily derived from sensory experience. Many of his quotes emphasize the importance of observation and experience as the basis for understanding the world.

Example Quote: “Reason is, and ought only to be the slave of the passions.”

2. Skepticism: Hume’s philosophical skepticism challenged the foundations of knowledge and our ability to justify beliefs. He expressed doubts about the reliability of our senses, the concept of causality, and the existence of a self. His quotes often reflect this skeptical stance and invite critical reflection.

Example Quote: “A wise man proportions his belief to the evidence.”

3. Induction and Causality: Hume’s views on induction and causality had a profound impact on philosophy of science. He argued that our beliefs about cause and effect are based on habitual associations rather than logical necessity. His quotes explore the limitations of induction and the uncertain nature of causal connections.

Example Quote: “The rules of morality are not the conclusions of our reason.”

4. Morality and Ethics: Hume contributed significantly to moral philosophy, asserting that moral judgments are based on sentiment rather than reason. His quotes often explore the nature of morality, the role of emotions, and the subjectivity of moral values.

Example Quote: “Reason is, and ought only to be the slave of the passions.”

5. Human Nature and Psychology: Hume was interested in understanding human nature and psychological processes. His quotes often delve into themes such as human desires, motivations, and the role of emotions in decision-making.

Example Quote: “Reason is, and ought only to be the slave of the passions.”

Overall, David Hume’s quotes are characterized by a combination of skepticism, empiricism, and a focus on human nature and morality.

They challenge conventional wisdom, invite critical thinking, and provide valuable insights into his philosophical ideas.

David Hume Quotes

Here are some quotes by David Hume:

1. “Reason is, and ought only to be the slave of the passions.”
2. “Truth springs from arguments among friends.”
3. “A wise man proportions his belief to the evidence.”
4. “Custom is the great guide to human life.”
5. “Beauty is no quality in things themselves: It exists merely in the mind which contemplates them.”
6. “The life of man is of no greater importance to the universe than that of an oyster.”
7. “The mind is a kind of theater, where several perceptions successively make their appearance.”
8. “No testimony is sufficient to establish a miracle unless the testimony be of such a kind that its falsehood would be more miraculous than the fact which it endeavors to establish.”
9. “Reasoning is, and ought only to be, the slave of the passions.”
10. “The rules of morality are not the conclusions of our reason.”
11. “No human testimony can have such force as to prove a miracle and make it a just foundation for any such system of religion.”
12. “The sweetest and most inoffensive path of life leads through the avenues of science and learning.”
13. “It is seldom that liberty of any kind is lost all at once.”
14. “The mind is a kind of mirror, which reflects the wise man’s thoughts and philosophy.”
15. “The life of man is of no greater importance to the universe than that of an oyster.”
16. “Reason is, and ought only to be, the slave of the passions and can never pretend to any other office than to serve and obey them.”
17. “Reading and sauntering and lounging and dosing, which I call thinking, is my supreme Happiness.”
18. “Where men are the most sure and arrogant, they are commonly the most mistaken.”
19. “Be a philosopher; but, amidst all your philosophy, be still a man.”
20. “The only fruitful source of miracles is credulity.”
21. “Tis not contrary to reason to prefer the destruction of the whole world to the scratching of my finger.”
22. “All knowledge degenerates into probability.”
23. “A propensity to hope and joy is real riches; one to fear and sorrow real poverty.”
24. “The life of man is of no greater importance to the universe than that of an oyster.”
25. “There is no such thing as a simple idea, or a simple perception in any of our faculties.”
26. “A wise man, therefore, proportions his belief to the evidence.”
27. “The first casualty, when war comes, is truth.”
28. “No man ever threw away life while it was worth keeping.”
29. Men are so much the same in all times and places that history informs us of nothing new or strange in this particular.
30. “A treatise on human nature, in three volumes.”
31. “Generally speaking, the errors in religion are dangerous; those in philosophy only ridiculous.”
32. “A sound mind in a sound body is a short but full description of a happy state in this world.”
33. “The heart is commonly reached, not through the reason, but through the imagination.”
34. “Truth springs from argument among friends.”
35. “When I am sick, I love to imagine what my enemies would do to help me.”
36. “Beauty in things exists merely in the mind which contemplates them.”
37. “The rule of law is the primary bulwark of our freedoms.”
38. “Nothing is more surprising than the easiness with which the many are governed by the few.”
39. “To be a philosophical skeptic is, in a man of letters, the first and most essential to being a sound, believing Christian.”
40. “To hate, to love, to think, to feel, to see; all this is nothing but to perceive.”
41. “The same justice that punishes sin rewards repentance.”
42. “In all matters of opinion and science, the case is opposite; the difference among men is there oftener found to lie in generals than in particulars; and to be less in reality than in appearance.”
43. “When men are most sure and arrogant, they are commonly most mistaken.”
44. “There is no such thing as a miracle.”
45. “The greater the difficulty, the more the glory in surmounting it.”
46. “Nothing endears so much a friend as sorrow for his death.”
47. “All our reasonings concerning causes and effects are derived from nothing but custom.”
48. “Nothing can be more innocent or probable than the change of opinions.”
49. “There are few people who are not ashamed of their love affairs when the infatuation is over.”
50. “Every wise, just, and mild government, by rendering the condition of its subjects easy and secure, will always abound most in people, as well as in commodities and riches.”
51. “It is not reason, which is the guide of life, but custom.”
52. “Custom, then, is the great guide of human life.”
53. “The understanding is much indebted to the heart.”
54. “There is not to be found, in all history, any miracle attested by a sufficient number of men, of such unquestioned good sense, education, and learning, as to secure us against all delusion in themselves.”
55. The strongest sensation, the most violent passion, say they, instead of distracting us from ourselves, always call us more nearly to ourselves, and make us the more vividly and more distinctly conscious of our own being.
56. “All general rules are attended with inconveniences.”
57. “If a person lets a part of his body decay, or puts out one of his eyes, or damages one of his limbs, he is looked upon as an object of horror.”
58. “Truth is disputable; not taste: what exists in the nature of things is the standard of our judgment.”
59. “Sudden thoughts and images flash upon him without any visible cause or con­nection.”
60. “The greatest of men, as well as the smallest, die only from the same causes.”

These quotes provide a glimpse into David Hume’s philosophical ideas, skepticism, human nature, morality, and the nature of knowledge.

Famous David Hume Quotes

Famous David Hume Quotes:

1. “Beauty in things exists in the mind which contemplates them.”
2. “Reason is, and ought only to be the slave of the passions.”
3. “Truth springs from argument amongst friends.”
4. “Generally speaking, the errors in religion are dangerous; those in philosophy only ridiculous.”
5. “To be a philosophical skeptic is, in a man of letters, the first and most essential to being a sound, believing Christian.”
6. “The life of man is of no greater importance to the universe than that of an oyster.”
7. “The wise man proportions his beliefs to the evidence.”
8. “It is seldom that liberty of any kind is lost all at once.”
9. “Reason is incapable of establishing the foundation of morality.”
10. “A wise man, therefore, proportions his belief to the evidence.”

David Hume Empiricist Quotes

David Hume Empiricist Quotes:

1. “All our reasonings concerning matters of fact are founded on a species of analogy.”
2. “A wise man, therefore, proportions his belief to the evidence.”
3. “The understanding, when it acts alone and according to its most general principles, entirely subverts itself.”
4. “Nothing, in itself, can be esteemed a miracle, because every real event is alike a miracle.”
5. “The only way to get rid of a temptation is to yield to it.”
6. “The mind is a kind of theatre, where several perceptions successively make their appearance; pass, re-pass, glide away, and mingle in an infinite variety of postures and situations.”
7. “Tis not uncommon for men to assume the name of principles for the sake of the name, and to imagine they have principles when they have only prejudices.”
8. “A wise man proportions his beliefs to the evidence.”
9. “We speak not strictly and philosophically when we talk of the combat of passion and of reason. Reason is, and ought only to be the slave of the passions.”
10. “Custom is the great guide of human life.”

David Hume Philosophy Quotes

David Hume Philosophy Quotes:

1. “Reason is, and ought only to be the slave of the passions.”
2. “Beauty in things exists in the mind which contemplates them.”
3. “The life of man is of no greater importance to the universe than that of an oyster.”
4. “Generally speaking, the errors in religion are dangerous; those in philosophy only ridiculous.”
5. “A wise man proportions his belief to the evidence.”
6. “Reason is incapable of establishing the foundation of morality.”
7. “Custom is the great guide of human life.”
8. “Truth springs from argument amongst friends.”
9. “Tis not uncommon for men to assume the name of principles for the sake of the name, and to imagine they have principles when they have only prejudices.”
10. “The understanding, when it acts alone and according to its most general principles, entirely subverts itself.”

David Hume Quotes on Religion

David Hume Quotes on Religion:

1. “Generally speaking, the errors in religion are dangerous; those in philosophy only ridiculous.”
2. “Be a philosopher, but amid all your philosophy, be still a man.”
3. “The Christian religion not only was at first attended with miracles but even at this day cannot be believed by any reasonable person without one.”
4. “If we take in our hand any volume; of divinity or school metaphysics, for instance; let us ask, Does it contain any abstract reasoning concerning quantity or number? No. Does it contain any experimental reasoning concerning matter of fact and existence? No. Commit it then to the flames: for it can contain nothing but sophistry and illusion.”
5. “To be a philosophical skeptic is, in a man of letters, the first and most essential to being a sound, believing Christian.”
6. “A wise man proportions his belief to the evidence.”
7. “Men are so much the same in all times and places that history informs us of nothing new or strange in this particular.”
8. “Reason is, and ought only to be the slave of the passions.”
9. “Custom, then, is the great guide of human life.”
10. “Truth springs from argument among friends.”

Was David Hume an Atheist?

The religious beliefs of David Hume have been a subject of debate among scholars.

While Hume was critical of traditional religious doctrines and skeptical of various religious claims, he did not explicitly identify himself as an atheist.

He expressed skepticism towards religious miracles and argued that reason alone cannot establish the foundations of religious faith.

However, Hume also acknowledged the limits of human knowledge and the importance of custom and belief in society.

It is important to note that Hume’s philosophical views on religion focused on skepticism and empirical inquiry rather than outright atheism.

He maintained a nuanced and critical perspective towards religious claims, emphasizing the need for evidence and reasoned inquiry.

Overall, how one interprets Hume’s religious beliefs may depend on their own understanding and perspective.

FAQs on David Hume Philosophy

What were David Hume’s main philosophical ideas?

David Hume was known for his main philosophical ideas of empiricism, skepticism, and moral philosophy.

He emphasized the importance of sensory experience in acquiring knowledge, questioned the validity of causality, and argued that moral judgments are based on sentiment rather than reason.

What is the significance of Hume’s quote, “Reason is, and ought only to be the slave of the passions”?

This quote highlights Hume’s view that reason should serve as a tool for guiding and supporting our emotions and desires.

He believed that reason alone cannot dictate our actions or moral judgments, as they are ultimately driven by our passions and emotions.

What did Hume mean by “proportioning belief to the evidence”?

Hume advocated for a balanced and evidence-based approach to belief formation.

According to him, individuals should proportion their beliefs to the strength of the evidence available, avoiding both blind acceptance and unwarranted skepticism.

Why did Hume question the existence of miracles?

Hume argued that miracles, as extraordinary events that defy the laws of nature, require extraordinary evidence to be deemed credible.

Since our knowledge of the laws of nature is based on repeated observations and experiences, he asserted that no amount of human testimony could sufficiently establish the occurrence of a miracle.

What was Hume’s view on morality?

Hume believed that moral judgments are not solely based on reason but are rooted in human sentiments and emotions.

He argued that moral values are subjective and depend on individual perspectives and cultural influences, rather than being grounded in objective principles or divine commandments.

How did Hume view human nature and psychology?

Hume explored human nature and psychological processes by emphasizing the role of desires, passions, and emotions in shaping human behavior.

He believed that reason serves as a servant to our passions and that our actions are often driven by our emotional responses rather than purely rational considerations.

What impact did Hume have on philosophy of science?

Hume’s skepticism about causality and induction had a significant impact on the philosophy of science.

He questioned the idea that we can establish necessary connections between cause and effect based solely on empirical observations, highlighting the limitations of inductive reasoning and the probabilistic nature of scientific knowledge.

How did Hume’s ideas influence subsequent philosophical thought?

Hume’s ideas laid the groundwork for many philosophical debates and developments.

His empiricism and skepticism influenced philosophers like Immanuel Kant, who sought to reconcile Hume’s ideas with rationalism.

Hume’s emphasis on the role of sentiments and emotions in morality also influenced later thinkers, such as the utilitarians.

Are Hume’s ideas still relevant today?

Yes, Hume’s ideas continue to be relevant and widely studied in philosophy.

His emphasis on empiricism, skepticism, and the subjective nature of moral judgments continues to shape discussions in epistemology, metaphysics, ethics, and philosophy of science.

What does Richard Dawkins have to say about David Hume in his books?

In his books, Richard Dawkins, a prominent evolutionary biologist and atheist, has referenced David Hume and discussed his ideas on several occasions.

Here are a few notable mentions of David Hume in Dawkins’ books:

• “The God Delusion”: Dawkins references Hume’s criticisms of miracles and religious claims. He highlights Hume’s argument that extraordinary claims require extraordinary evidence, and that the testimonies of miracles should be treated with skepticism.
• “The Ancestor’s Tale”: In this book, Dawkins briefly mentions Hume as one of the Enlightenment philosophers who challenged religious dogma and advocated for skepticism and reason in understanding the world.
• “The Selfish Gene”: While Dawkins does not directly reference Hume in this book, he explores the concept of “selfish genes” and the role of natural selection in evolution. Hume’s influence on philosophical ideas related to causation and induction could be seen as indirectly influencing Dawkins’ understanding of evolutionary processes.

It is worth noting that while Dawkins appreciates Hume’s skeptical approach and his critical examination of religious claims, he develops his own arguments and positions independently, often drawing on scientific evidence and evolutionary theory to support his atheistic perspective.

What is the best way to approach understanding Hume’s philosophy?

To understand Hume’s philosophy, it is recommended to read his key works such as “A Treatise of Human Nature,” “An Enquiry Concerning Human Understanding,” and “Dialogues Concerning Natural Religion.”

Engaging with secondary sources and scholarly interpretations can also provide valuable insights into Hume’s ideas and their relevance in contemporary philosophy.

Please note that while these answers provide a general understanding of the topics, further exploration and reading are encouraged for a more comprehensive understanding of David Hume’s philosophy.

Conclusion

David Hume’s quotes reflect his profound contributions to philosophy, empiricism, skepticism, and moral theory.

His views challenged traditional notions of knowledge, causality, and the foundations of morality.

Hume emphasized the importance of observation, experience, and the role of human passions in shaping our beliefs and actions.

His quotes invite critical thinking, questioning established ideas, and exploring the complexities of human nature.

Through his thought-provoking insights, Hume continues to stimulate intellectual discourse and inspire generations of thinkers to engage in philosophical inquiry.

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