Action Quote by David Hume
“Truth is disputable; not taste: what exists in the nature of things is the standard of our judgement; what each man feels within himself is the standard of sentiment. Propositions in geometry may be proved, systems in physics may be controverted; but the harmony of verse, the tenderness of passion, the brilliancy of wit, must give immediate pleasure. No man reasons concerning another's beauty; but frequently concerning the justice or injustice of his actions.”
About This Quote
Source Book: An Enquiry Concerning Human Understanding, 1748
Judgment is based on external facts for internal feelings; reason applies to geometry, but art and emotion demand immediate pleasure.
In simple terms: Reason handles facts; feelings guide taste and moral sense.
Key Takeaway
Balance logic with emotion.
Themes
philosophy
ethics
art
emotion
reason
Mood
contemplative
thoughtful
Type
philosophical
reflective
When to use this quote
- debating philosophy
- evaluating art
- making moral decisions
- teaching literature
Key Concepts
Epistemology
aesthetics
moral sentiment
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you reconcile logical analysis with emotional response?
- When should feeling outweigh fact?
A Different Perspective
Pure reason cannot capture the nuance of personal taste.
