History Quote by David Hume
““It is an observation suggested by all history, and by none more than by that of James I and his successor [Charles I], that the religious spirit, when it mingles with faction, contains in it something supernatural and unaccountable; and that, in its operations upon society, effects correspond less to their known causes than is found in any other circumstance of government.””
About This Quote
Source Book: Essays, Moral, Political, and Literary by David Hume, 1748
When religion mixes with political factions, it becomes unpredictable and beyond rational explanation, influencing society in ways not directly linked to its causes.
In simple terms: Religious politics are mysterious and hard to control.
Beware of religious factionalism.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- government policy
- public discourse
- religious movements
- social reform
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How does factional religion affect governance?
- Can rational discourse limit its power?
Religious influence can be rationally addressed through education.