Collaboration Quote by David Hume
““Your corn is ripe today; mine will be so tomorrow. 'Tis profitable for us both, that I should labour 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; and should I labour with you upon my own account, in expectation of a return, I know I should be disappointed, and that I should in vain depend upon your gratitude. Here then I leave you to labour 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 on Human Nature, 1739
Mutual trust and cooperation yield better outcomes; without it, both parties suffer.
In simple terms: Cooperation benefits all; lack of trust harms both.
Key Takeaway
Foster trust and collaborate rather than act alone.
Themes
trust
cooperation
mutual benefit
self-interest
Mood
philosophical
analytical
Type
essay
reflection
When to use this quote
- business partnerships
- community projects
- environmental initiatives
- personal relationships
Key Concepts
social contract
reciprocity
game theory
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you build trust in a new partnership?
- What are the risks of acting alone?
A Different Perspective
Trust can be fragile; incentives may conflict with cooperation.
