The richest genius, like the most fertile soil, when uncultivated, shoots up into the rankest weeds.
David HumeThe simplest and most obvious cause which can there be assigned for any phenomena, is probably the true one.
David HumeThat the corruption of the best thing produces the worst, is grown into a maxim, and is commonly proved, among other instances, by the pernicious effects of superstition and enthusiasm, the corruptions of true religion.
David HumeNothing endears so much a friend as sorrow for his death. The pleasure of his company has not so powerful an influence.
David Hume[Rousseau] has not had the precaution to throw any veil over his sentiments; and as he scorns to dissemble his contempt of established opinions, he could not wonder that all the zealots were in arms against him.
David HumeBut, historians, and even common sense, may inform us, that, however specious these ideas of perfect equality may seem, they are really, at bottom, impracticable; and were they not so, would be extremely pernicious to human society. Render possessions ever so equal, men's different degrees of art, care, and industry will immediately break that equality. Or if you check these virtues, you reduce society to the most extreme indigence; and instead of preventing want and beggary in a few, render it unavoidable to the whole community.
David Hume