Arise Quote by David Hume
“We find in the course of nature that though the effects be many, the principles from which they arise are commonly few and simple, and that it is the sign of an unskilled naturalist to have recourse to a different quality in order to explain every different operation.”
About This Quote
Source Book: An Enquiry Concerning Human Understanding, 1748
Nature’s many effects stem from a few simple principles; over‑complicating explanations shows lack of skill.
In simple terms: Simple principles explain complex phenomena.
Seek simple underlying causes.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- scientific research
- problem solving
- education
- policy analysis
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- What simple principles underlie your current challenge?
- When is a complex explanation justified?
Complexity can be necessary when simple models fail.