Accounts Quote by David Hume
“Your corn is ripe today, mine will be so tomorrow. 'Tis profitable for us both that I should labor with you today, and that you should aid me tomorrow. I have no kindness for you, and know you have as little for me. I will not, therefore, take any pains upon your account . . . Here then I leave you to labor alone; you treat me in the same manner. The seasons change, and both of us lose our harvests for want of mutual confidence and security.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: Treatise of Human Nature, 1739
Mutual trust and cooperation are essential for shared prosperity; without them, both parties suffer.
In simple terms: Cooperation yields mutual benefit.
Key Takeaway
Build trust and collaborate.
Themes
trust
cooperation
mutual benefit
Mood
cautious
hopeful
Type
ethical
philosophical
When to use this quote
- business partnerships
- community projects
- neighborly aid
- team sports
Key Concepts
economics
social contract
reciprocity
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you rebuild trust after betrayal?
- What incentives encourage cooperation?
A Different Perspective
Trust can be broken, leading to loss.
