Anthropomorphism Quote by David Hume
“There is an universal tendency among mankind to conceive all beings like themselves, and to transfer to every object, those qualities, with which they are familiarly acquainted, and of which they are intimately conscious. We find human faces in the moon, armies in the clouds; and by a natural propensity, if not corrected by experience and reflection, ascribe malice or good-will to every thing, that hurts or pleases us.”
About This Quote
Source Treatise: An Enquiry Concerning Human Understanding, 1748
Humans project their own traits onto others, seeing familiar patterns even in inanimate objects.
In simple terms: We see ourselves in everything.
Key Takeaway
Recognize projection bias.
Themes
perception
anthropomorphism
bias
Mood
reflective
critical
Type
philosophical
analytical
When to use this quote
- reading literature
- interpreting art
- making decisions
- social interactions
Key Concepts
psychology
philosophy
Questions to Reflect On
- How often do you anthropomorphize?
- What assumptions arise from this bias?
A Different Perspective
Over‑identifying can distort reality.
![“Then there's the pillar statue in the semi-subterranean temple at Tiahuanaco [Bolivia]. Like the Totem Pole of Göbekli Tepe, it is anthropomorphic. Like the Totem Pole at Göbekli Tepe, it has serpents writhing up its side. Like the Totem Pole at Göbekli Tepe, the long fingers of its hands almost…” quote by Graham Hancock](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/799/graham-hancock-10752_anthropomorphism_then-there-s-the-pillar-statue-in-the-se_1084202.jpg)
