David Hume

Truth springs from argument amongst friends.

David Hume

Uncommon expressions are a disfigurement rather than an embellishment of discourse.

David Hume

We choose our favourite author as we do our friend, from a conformity of humour and disposition. Mirth or passion, sentiment or reflection; whichever of these most predominates in our temper, it gives us a peculiar sympathy with the writer who resembles us.

David Hume

We find in the course of nature that though the effects be many, the principles from which they arise are commonly few and simple, and that it is the sign of an unskilled naturalist to have recourse to a different quality in order to explain every different operation.

David Hume

What praise is implied in the simple epithet useful! What reproach in the contrary.

David Hume

When any opinion leads us into absurdities, ’tis certainly false; but ’tis not certain an opinion is false, because ’tis of dangerous consequence.

David Hume

When men are most sure and arrogant they are commonly most mistaken, giving views to passion without that proper deliberation which alone can secure them from the grossest absurdities.

David Hume

When we reflect on the shortness and uncertainty of life, how despicable seem all our pursuits of happiness.

David Hume