---
title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: Enthusiasm, being the infirmity of bold…"
description: "\"Enthusiasm, being the infirmity of bold and ambitious tempers, is naturally accompanied with aspirit of liberty; as superstition, on the contrary, rend..."
image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/e8f/david-hume-538_freedom_enthusiasm-being-the-infirmity-of-bold-a_82032.jpg"
---

#  Enthusiasm, being the infirmity of bold and ambitious…

![“Enthusiasm, being the infirmity of bold and ambitious tempers, is naturally accompanied with aspirit of liberty; as superstition, on the contrary, renders men tame and abject, and fits them for slavery.” quote by David Hume](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/e8f/david-hume-538_freedom_enthusiasm-being-the-infirmity-of-bold-a_82032.jpg)   [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/e8f/david-hume-538_freedom_enthusiasm-being-the-infirmity-of-bold-a_82032.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/e8f/david-hume-538_freedom_enthusiasm-being-the-infirmity-of-bold-a_82032.jpg)

> “Enthusiasm, being the infirmity of bold and ambitious tempers, is naturally accompanied with aspirit of liberty; as superstition, on the contrary, renders men tame and abject, and fits them for slavery.”

[David Hume](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/david-hume/)

## About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Enthusiasm fuels daring and freedom, while superstition breeds fear and submission, leading to oppression.

**In simple terms:** Boldness vs. fear

Key Takeaway

Freedom thrives on daring, not superstition

Themes

freedom courage psychology politics human nature

Mood

inspirational critical

Type

philosophical political

When to use this quote

- political movements
- personal ambition
- social reform

Key Concepts

human agency fear liberty

Practical Applications

- motivational speeches
- educational curricula

Questions to Reflect On

- How does enthusiasm shape societal change?
- What role does fear play in maintaining power?

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