Deity Quote by David Hume
““This world, for aught he knows, is very faulty and imperfect, compared to a superior standard; and was only the first rude essay of some infant deity, who afterwards abandoned it, ashamed of his lame performance: it is the work only of some dependent, inferior deity; and is the object of derision to his superiors: it is the production of old age and dotage in some superannuated deity; and ever since his death, has run on at adventures, from the first impulse and active force which it received from him.””
About This Quote
Source Book: An Enquiry Concerning Human Understanding, 1748
Human creations are flawed compared to an ideal, reflecting a deity's early, imperfect attempts that later abandon.
In simple terms: Worlds are imperfect drafts of a higher design.
Key Takeaway
Accept imperfection, seek improvement.
Themes
philosophy
theology
imperfection
Mood
reflective
critical
Type
philosophical
theological
When to use this quote
- creative writing
- art criticism
- personal reflection
- philosophical debate
- theological discussion
Key Concepts
Deity
imperfection
human nature
Questions to Reflect On
- What does “inferior deity” suggest about human agency?
- How do we reconcile imperfection with progress?
A Different Perspective
Assumes existence of deities, which may not be universally accepted.
