Allegiance Quote by David Hume
“Justice is a moral virtue, merely because it has that tendency to the good of mankind, and indeed is nothing but an artificial invention to that purpose. The same may be said of allegiance, of the laws of nations, of modesty, and of good manners. All these are mere human contrivances for the interest of society.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: “Of Justice”, David Hume, 1748
Justice and other virtues are human constructs created for societal benefit, not inherent moral truths.
In simple terms: Virtues are societal tools, not natural laws.
Key Takeaway
Recognize and shape social conventions wisely.
Themes
justice
morality
social constructs
Mood
analytical
critical
Type
philosophical
academic
When to use this quote
- lawmaking
- community norms
- education curricula
- policy debates
Key Concepts
philosophy
ethics
political theory
Questions to Reflect On
- Are all conventions equally beneficial?
- How do we reform unjust traditions?
A Different Perspective
Over‑reliance on constructs can ignore natural human instincts.
