Advantage Quote by David Hume
“An established government has an infinite advantage, by that very circumstance of its being established--the bulk of mankind being governed by authority, not reason, and never attributing authority to anything that has not the recommendation of antiquity.”
About This Quote
Established governments rely on tradition and authority rather than reason, limiting progress.
In simple terms: Governments depend on old authority, not reason.
Question authority and value rational thought.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- policy debate
- civic education
Key Concepts
Practical Applications
- encourage critical discourse
- seek evidence
Questions to Reflect On
- How can reason improve governance?
- What traditions hinder progress?
Change can be destabilizing without structure.