--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: I say then, that belief is nothing but a…" description: "\"I say then, that belief is nothing but a more vivid, lively, forcible, firm, steady conception of an object, than what the imagination alone is ever ab..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/454/david-hume-538_able_i-say-then-that-belief-is-nothing-but-a_1729921.jpg" --- # I say then, that belief is nothing but a more vivid… ![“I say then, that belief is nothing but a more vivid, lively, forcible, firm, steady conception of an object, than what the imagination alone is ever able to attain. This variety of terms, which may seem so unphilosophical, is intended only to express that act of the mind, which renders realities…” quote by David Hume](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/454/david-hume-538_able_i-say-then-that-belief-is-nothing-but-a_1729921.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/454/david-hume-538_able_i-say-then-that-belief-is-nothing-but-a_1729921.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/454/david-hume-538_able_i-say-then-that-belief-is-nothing-but-a_1729921.jpg) > “I say then, that belief is nothing but a more vivid, lively, forcible, firm, steady conception of an object, than what the imagination alone is ever able to attain. This variety of terms, which may seem so unphilosophical, is intended only to express that act of the mind, which renders realities, or what is taken for such, more present to us than fictions, causes them to weigh more in the thought, and gives them a superior influence on the passions and imagination.” [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. Belief is a vivid, firm mental representation that feels more real than imagination, influencing thoughts and emotions strongly. **In simple terms:** Belief feels more real than imagination, shaping thoughts and feelings. Key Takeaway Recognize the power of belief in shaping perception. Themes perception belief mind influence reality Mood reflective analytical Type philosophical inspirational When to use this quote - making decisions - evaluating evidence - personal growth - conflict resolution Key Concepts Epistemology psychology cognitive bias Questions to Reflect On - How do your beliefs shape your actions? - When might a vivid belief be misleading? A Different Perspective Beliefs can be mistaken or biased, leading to errors. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Atheism](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/atheism/) [Belief](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/belief/) [Conception](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/conception/) [Faith](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/faith/) [Fiction](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/fiction/) [Giving](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/giving/) [Imagination](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/imagination/) [Influence](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/influence/) [Mind](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/mind/) [Passion](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/passion/) [Positive atheism](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/positive-atheism/) [Reality](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/reality/) [Variety](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/variety/) [Vivid](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/vivid/) ## Related quotes > [Belief is nothing but a more vivid, lively, forcible, firm, steady conception of an object, than what the imagination alone is ever able to…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/david-hume/belief-is-nothing-but-a-more-vivid-lively-forcible-firm-steady/) [David Hume](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/david-hume/) > [A lively retrospect summons back to us once more our youth, with vivid reflex of its early joys and unstained pleasures.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/alfred-de-musset/a-lively-retrospect-summons-back-to-us-once-more-our-youth-with-vivid/) [Alfred de Musset](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/alfred-de-musset/) > [What pleases the public is lively and vivid delineation which makes no demands on the intellect; but passionate and absolutist youth can only be…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/thomas-mann/what-pleases-the-public-is-lively-and-vivid-delineation-which-makes/) [Thomas Mann](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/thomas-mann/) > [With vivid words your just conceptions grace, Much truth compressing in a narrow space; Then many shall peruse, but few complain, And envy frown,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/john-wolcot/with-vivid-words-your-just-conceptions-grace-much-truth-compressing/) [John Wolcot](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-wolcot/) > [A CAUSE is an object precedent and contiguous to another, and so united with it that the idea of the one determines the mind…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/david-hume/a-cause-is-an-object-precedent-and-contiguous-to-another-and-so/) [David Hume](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/david-hume/) > [The great charm of poetry consists in lively pictures of the sublime passions, magnanimity, courage, disdain of fortune; or thoseof the tender affections, love…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/david-hume/the-great-charm-of-poetry-consists-in-lively-pictures-of-the-sublime/) [David Hume](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/david-hume/) > [The most lively thought is still inferior to the dullest sensation.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/david-hume/the-most-lively-thought-is-still-inferior-to-the-dullest-sensation/) [David Hume](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/david-hume/) > [In the sphere of natural investigation, as in poetry and painting, the delineation of that which appeals most strongly to the imagination, derives its…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/david-hume/in-the-sphere-of-natural-investigation-as-in-poetry-and-painting-the/) [David Hume](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/david-hume/) > [There is nothing can pay one for that invaluable ignorance which is the companion of youth, those sanguine groundless hopes, and that lively vanity…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/there-is-nothing-can-pay-one-for-that-invaluable-ignorance-which-is/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [By declaring yourself a leader, you're taking initiative and moving into a role of influence in a lively and vital network that's changing the…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/neale-donald-walsch/by-declaring-yourself-a-leader-you-re-taking-initiative-and-moving/) [Neale Donald Walsch](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/neale-donald-walsch/) > [I know that there are many things I could do, but I'm not interested. 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