The stability of modern governments above the ancient, and the accuracy of modern philosophy, have improved, and probably will still improve, by… — David Hume Copy Share Image
It is on opinion only that government is founded; and this maxim extends to the most despotic and most military governments, as… — David Hume Copy Share Image
Every wise, just, and mild government, by rendering the condition of its subjects easy and secure, will always abound most in people,… — David Hume Copy Share Image
The heights of popularity and patriotism are still the beaten road to power and tyranny; flattery to treachery; standing armies to arbitrary… — David Hume Copy Share Image
An established government has an infinite advantage, by that very circumstance of its being established--the bulk of mankind being governed by authority,… — David Hume Copy Share Image
Nothing appears more surprising to those, who consider human affairs with a philosophical eye, than the easiness with which the many are… — David Hume Copy Share Image
How could politics be a science, if laws and forms of government had not a uniform influence upon society? Where would be… — David Hume Copy Share Image
Luxury, or a refinement on the pleasures and conveniences of life, had long been supposed the source of every corruption in government,… — David Hume Copy Share Image
Avarice, the spur of industry, is so obstinate a passion, and works its way through so many real dangers and difficulties, that… — David Hume Copy Share Image
In all ages of the world, priests have been enemies to liberty; and it is certain, that this steady conduct of theirs… — David Hume Copy Share Image
“It is impossible for us to think of any thing, which we have not antecedently felt, either by our external or internal senses.” — David Hume Copy Share Image
All morality depends upon our sentiments; and when any action or quality of the mind pleases us after a certain manner we say it… — David Hume Copy Share Image
And indeed nothing but the most determined scepticism, along with a great degree of indolence, can justify this aversion to metaphysics. For if truth… — David Hume Copy Share Image
...virtue is attended by more peace of mind than vice, and meets with a more favourable reception from the world. I am sensible, that,… — David Hume Copy Share Image
That the sun will not rise tomorrow is no less intelligible a proposition, and implies no more contradiction, than the affirmation, that it will… — David Hume Copy Share Image
We may conclude, therefore, that, in order to establish laws for the regulation of property, we must be acquainted with the nature and situation… — David Hume Copy Share Image
The observation of human blindness and weakness is the result of all philosophy, and meets us at every turn, in spite of our endeavours… — David Hume Copy Share Image
The religious hypothesis, therefore, must be considered only as a particular method of accounting for the visible phenomena of the universe: but no just… — David Hume Copy Share Image
Manufacturers...gradually shift their places, leaving those countries and provinces which they have already enriched, and flying to others, whether they are allured by the… — David Hume Copy Share Image
We may observe that, in displaying the praises of any humane, beneficent man, there is one circumstance which never fails to be amply insisted… — David Hume Copy Share Image
“The most perfect happiness, surely, must arise from the contemplation of the most perfect object.” — David Hume Copy Share Image
