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Acknowledge Quote by David Hume

“[The sceptic] must acknowledge, if he will acknowledge any thing, that all human life must perish, were his principles to prevail.All discourse, all action would immediately cease, and men remain in a total lethargy, till the necessities of nature, unsatisfied, put an end to their miserable…” quote by David Hume
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“[The sceptic] must acknowledge, if he will acknowledge any thing, that all human life must perish, were his principles to prevail.All discourse, all action would immediately cease, and men remain in a total lethargy, till the necessities of nature, unsatisfied, put an end to their miserable existence.”

David Hume

About This Quote

If humanity accepted that life inevitably ends, all purposeful activity would cease, leaving only basic survival drives to awaken us.

In simple terms: Acknowledging mortality would halt all purposeful action.

Key Takeaway

Mortality awareness can paralyze societal effort.

Themes

philosophy existentialism mortality human nature

Mood

somber reflective

Type

philosophical observation

When to use this quote

  • post‑apocalyptic scenarios
  • existential crises
  • philosophical debates

Key Concepts

nihilism motivation

Practical Applications

  • use mortality as a motivator for meaningful action
  • design policies that assume human finitude

Questions to Reflect On

  • How does awareness of death shape personal goals?
  • Can societal progress persist despite existential dread?
A Different Perspective

Even knowing death is inevitable, many find purpose in creating legacy, so activity may not cease.

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