though men are commonly more governed by what they have seen, than by what they foresee, with whatever certainty; yet promises, protestations, fair appearances, with the allurements of present interest, have such powerful influence as few are able to resist. Mankind are, in all ages, caught by the same baits: The same tricks, played over … Continue reading Hume on the folly of mankind
Tag: David Hume
Hume on the false dichotomy of Reason and Experience
NOTHING is more usual than for writers, even, on moral, political, or physical subjects, to distinguish between reason and experience, and to suppose, that these species of argumentation are entirely different from each other. The former are taken for the mere result of our intellectual faculties, which, by considering à priori the nature of things, and examining the effects, that must follow from their operation, … Continue reading Hume on the false dichotomy of Reason and Experience
Hume on the tendency of religion to ascetic morality
"The duties, which a man performs as a friend or parent, seem merely owing to his benefactor or children; nor can he be wanting to these duties, without breaking through all the ties of nature and morality. A strong inclination may prompt him to the performance: A sentiment of order and moral obligation joins its … Continue reading Hume on the tendency of religion to ascetic morality
Notes in the Margins of the Days 