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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.” quote by David Hume
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“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.”

David Hume

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.

Key Takeaway

Question authority and value rational thought.

Themes

politics authority reason tradition

Mood

analytical skeptical

Type

philosophical critical

When to use this quote

  • policy debate
  • civic education

Key Concepts

critical thinking institutional analysis

Practical Applications

  • encourage critical discourse
  • seek evidence

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can reason improve governance?
  • What traditions hinder progress?
A Different Perspective

Change can be destabilizing without structure.

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