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Enthusiasm Quote by David Hume

“Weakness, fear, melancholy, together with ignorance, are the true sources of superstition. Hope, pride, presumption, a warm indignation, together with ignorance, are the true sources of enthusiasm.” quote by David Hume
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“Weakness, fear, melancholy, together with ignorance, are the true sources of superstition. Hope, pride, presumption, a warm indignation, together with ignorance, are the true sources of enthusiasm.”

David Hume

About This Quote

Source Treatise: An Enquiry Concerning Human Understanding, 1748

Superstition stems from negative emotions and ignorance; enthusiasm arises from positive emotions and ignorance.

In simple terms: Emotions and ignorance drive belief.

Key Takeaway

Recognize emotional bias in beliefs.

Themes

belief emotion ignorance superstition enthusiasm

Mood

skeptical analytical

Type

philosophical critical

When to use this quote

  • critical thinking
  • education
  • public discourse

Key Concepts

epistemology psychology

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do emotions shape your convictions?
  • Can ignorance be productive?
A Different Perspective

Positive bias can also mislead.

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