Action Quote by David Hume
“How could politics be a science, if laws and forms of government had not a uniform influence upon society? Where would be the foundation of morals, if particular characters had no certain or determinate power to produce particular sentiments, and if these sentiments had no constant operation on actions?”
About This Quote
Source Treat: An Enquiry Concerning Human Understanding, 1748
Morality depends on consistent human nature; without uniform influence, moral foundations are unstable.
In simple terms: Moral rules need stable human behavior.
Key Takeaway
Recognize the role of human nature in ethics.
Themes
morality
human nature
philosophy
Mood
inquisitive
thoughtful
Type
philosophical
analytical
When to use this quote
- legal theory
- ethical debates
- social policy
Key Concepts
uniformity
sentiment
action
Questions to Reflect On
- Can morality be universal?
- What shapes our moral sentiments?
A Different Perspective
Assumes all societies share similar sentiments.
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