It seems then, say I, that you leave politics entirely out…
“It seems then, say I, that you leave politics entirely out of the question, and never suppose, that a wise magistrate can justly be jealous of certain tenets of philosophy, such as those of Epicurus, which, denying a divine existence, and consequently a providence and a future state, seem to loosen, in a great measure, the ties of morality, and may be supposed, for that reason, pernicious to the peace of civil society.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Hume argues that excluding politics from moral considerations and fearing philosophical ideas that deny divine providence can weaken societal morals and threaten civil peace.
In simple terms: Fear of non‑theistic philosophy may erode moral foundations.
Key Takeaway
Guard against dismissing ideas that challenge religious norms.
Themes
philosophy
politics
morality
society
religion
Mood
skeptical
analytical
concerned
Type
philosophical
critical
explanatory
When to use this quote
- legislative debates
- academic curricula
- public policy
- community dialogues
Key Concepts
secularism
ethical foundations
social cohesion
Questions to Reflect On
- Can moral systems thrive without reference to a deity?
- How should societies balance philosophical freedom with social stability?
A Different Perspective
Some argue that secular ethics can sustain morality without divine belief.