--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: It is... a just political maxim, that…" description: "\"It is... a just political maxim, that every man must be supposed a knave.\" — David Hume" image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/3bd/david-hume-538_every-man_it-is-a-just-political-maxim-that-every_2536295.jpg" --- # It is... a just political maxim, that every man must be… ![“It is... a just political maxim, that every man must be supposed a knave.” quote by David Hume](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/3bd/david-hume-538_every-man_it-is-a-just-political-maxim-that-every_2536295.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/3bd/david-hume-538_every-man_it-is-a-just-political-maxim-that-every_2536295.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/3bd/david-hume-538_every-man_it-is-a-just-political-maxim-that-every_2536295.jpg) > “It is... a just political maxim, that every man must be supposed a knave.” [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. Human nature tends toward skepticism, assuming others may be deceitful. **In simple terms:** People often suspect deceit. Key Takeaway Question assumptions wisely. Themes skepticism human nature trust Mood cautious analytical Type philosophical critical When to use this quote - political debate - legal judgments - personal relationships Key Concepts philosophy ethics Questions to Reflect On - When should you trust? - How to balance doubt and faith? A Different Perspective Trust is essential for cooperation. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Greatness](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/greatness/) [Political](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/political/) ## Related quotes > [“It is, therefore, a just political maxim, that every man must be supposed a knave.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/david-hume/it-is-therefore-a-just-political-maxim-that-every-man-must-be/) [David Hume](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/david-hume/) > [To live with our enemies as if they may some time become our friends, and to live with our friends as if they may…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/thomas-paine/to-live-with-our-enemies-as-if-they-may-some-time-become-our-friends/) [Thomas Paine](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/thomas-paine/) > [“Not using that handy maxim a man is what he makes his dough at and alas how much. 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