--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: as Hume expressed it. The mind is 'a kind…" description: "\"“as Hume expressed it. The mind is 'a kind of theater, where several perceptions successively make their appearance; pass, re-pass, slide away, and min..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/b02/jostein-gaarder-676_cinema_as-hume-expressed-it-the-mind-is-a-kind_1160926.jpg" --- # as Hume expressed it. The mind is 'a kind of theater… ![“as Hume expressed it. The mind is 'a kind of theater, where several perceptions successively make their appearance; pass, re-pass, slide away, and mingle in an infinite variety of postures and situations.' Hume pointed out that we have no underlying 'personal identity' beneath or behind these…” quote by Jostein Gaarder](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/b02/jostein-gaarder-676_cinema_as-hume-expressed-it-the-mind-is-a-kind_1160926.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/b02/jostein-gaarder-676_cinema_as-hume-expressed-it-the-mind-is-a-kind_1160926.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/b02/jostein-gaarder-676_cinema_as-hume-expressed-it-the-mind-is-a-kind_1160926.jpg) > ““as Hume expressed it. The mind is 'a kind of theater, where several perceptions successively make their appearance; pass, re-pass, slide away, and mingle in an infinite variety of postures and situations.' Hume pointed out that we have no underlying 'personal identity' beneath or behind these perceptions and feelings which come and go. It is just like the images on a movie screen. They change so rapidly we do not register that the film is made up of single pictures. In reality the pictures are not connected. The film is a collection of instants”” [Jostein Gaarder](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jostein-gaarder/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. The mind is a fleeting stage where perceptions appear and vanish, lacking a permanent self behind them. **In simple terms:** Our thoughts are temporary, not a lasting identity. Key Takeaway Recognize thoughts as passing events. Themes philosophy identity perception Mood contemplative curious Type philosophical inspirational When to use this quote - mindfulness meditation - psychology study - creative writing - self‑inquiry Key Concepts Humean skepticism self consciousness Questions to Reflect On - How does seeing thoughts as transient affect your self‑concept? - Can you find stability without a fixed identity? A Different Perspective The view may ignore the human need for continuity and narrative. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Cinema](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/cinema/) [Mind](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/mind/) [Philosophy of Mind](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/philosophy-of-mind/) [Psychology](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/psychology/) [Single picture](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/single-picture/) ## Related quotes > [“No podemos probar con la razón como debemos actuar. Actuar responsablemente no equivale a agudizar la razón, sino a agudizar los sentimientos. Según Hume,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jostein-gaarder/no-podemos-probar-con-la-raz-n-como-debemos-actuar-actuar/) [Jostein Gaarder](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jostein-gaarder/) > [I don't think I missed a single picture Billie Dove ever made. I was crazy for her. 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