Appearance Quote by David Hume
“All that belongs to human understanding, in this deep ignorance and obscurity, is to be sceptical, or at least cautious, and not to admit of any hypothesis whatever, much less of any which is supported by no appearance of probability.”
About This Quote
Source Book: An Enquiry Concerning Human Understanding, 1748
We should treat knowledge with doubt, especially when lacking evidence or probability, and avoid accepting unsupported claims.
In simple terms: Be skeptical without evidence.
Question claims lacking proof.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- scientific research
- policy making
- media consumption
- personal decision making
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- When is healthy doubt appropriate?
- How do you balance skepticism and openness?
Over‑skepticism can paralyze action.