Argument Quote by David Hume
“The supposition that the future resembles the past, is not founded on arguments of any kind, but is derived entirely from habit.”
About This Quote
Source Treatise: An Enquiry Concerning Human Understanding, 1748
Assuming the future mirrors the past is a habit, not logical reasoning.
In simple terms: Habit, not reason, drives expectations of continuity.
Key Takeaway
Question assumptions about continuity.
Themes
philosophy
epistemology
habit
reason
future
Mood
inquisitive
skeptical
Type
philosophical
analytical
When to use this quote
- scientific forecasting
- policy planning
- personal expectations
Key Concepts
inductive reasoning
cognitive bias
historical patterns
Questions to Reflect On
- What evidence challenges your expectations?
- How can we base forecasts on data?
A Different Perspective
Habitual thinking can ignore evidence of change.
