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Animal Quote by David Hume

“Of all the animals with which this globe is peopled, there is none towards whom nature seems, at first sight, to have exercised more cruelty than towards man, in the numberless wants and necessities with which she has loaded him, and in the slender means which she affords to the relieving these…” quote by David Hume
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“Of all the animals with which this globe is peopled, there is none towards whom nature seems, at first sight, to have exercised more cruelty than towards man, in the numberless wants and necessities with which she has loaded him, and in the slender means which she affords to the relieving these necessities.”

David Hume

About This Quote

Source Treatise: An Enquiry Concerning Human Understanding, 1748

Human existence is marked by endless needs and limited means, creating inherent suffering that nature imposes on us.

In simple terms: Life is full of needs that outstrip what we have.

Key Takeaway

Seek ways to balance desires with realistic resources.

Themes

philosophy human condition suffering economics ethics

Mood

thoughtful serious

Type

philosophical ethical

When to use this quote

  • budgeting
  • policy making
  • personal goal setting
  • resource allocation

Key Concepts

need scarcity human limitation natural inequality

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can societies reduce need scarcity?
  • What personal habits can lessen perceived lack?
A Different Perspective

Not all suffering is due to nature; human choices also create scarcity.

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