The heights of popularity and patriotism are still the beaten road to power and tyranny; flattery to treachery; standing armies to arbitrary government; and the glory of God to the temporal interest of the clergy.

Quote by David Hume

Topics: Government Quotes

A wise man proportions his belief to the evidence.

A wise man proportions his belief to the evidence.

Avarice, the spur of industry

Avarice, the spur of industry

I have written on all sorts of subjects... yet I have no enemies; except indeed...

I have written on all sorts of subjects... yet I have no enemies; except indeed...

The many instances of forged miracles, and prophecies, and supernatural events, which, in all ages,...

The many instances of forged miracles, and prophecies, and supernatural events, which, in all ages,...

A man acquainted with history may, in some respect, be said to have lived from...

A man acquainted with history may, in some respect, be said to have lived from...

Human Nature is the only science of man; and yet has been hitherto the most...

Human Nature is the only science of man; and yet has been hitherto the most...

Character is the result of a system of stereotyped principals.

Character is the result of a system of stereotyped principals.

A purpose, an intention, a design, strikes everywhere the careless, the most stupid thinker

A purpose, an intention, a design, strikes everywhere the careless, the most stupid thinker

The law always limits every power it gives.

The law always limits every power it gives.

Everything in the world is purchased by labor.

Everything in the world is purchased by labor.

Where ambition can cover its enterprises, even to the person himself, under the appearance of...

Where ambition can cover its enterprises, even to the person himself, under the appearance of...

When men are most sure and arrogant they are commonly most mistaken, giving views to...

When men are most sure and arrogant they are commonly most mistaken, giving views to...

The chief benefit, which results from philosophy, arises in an indirect manner, and proceeds more...

The chief benefit, which results from philosophy, arises in an indirect manner, and proceeds more...

Generally speaking, the errors in religion are dangerous; those in philosophy only ridiculous.

Generally speaking, the errors in religion are dangerous; those in philosophy only ridiculous.

Beauty is no quality in things themselves. It exists merely in the mind which contemplates...

Beauty is no quality in things themselves. It exists merely in the mind which contemplates...

In public affairs men are often better pleased that the truth, though known to everybody,...

In public affairs men are often better pleased that the truth, though known to everybody,...

It is seldom that liberty of any kind is lost all at once.

It is seldom that liberty of any kind is lost all at once.

A propensity to hope and joy is real riches; one to fear and sorrow real...

A propensity to hope and joy is real riches; one to fear and sorrow real...

It is a just political maxim, that every man must be supposed a knave.

It is a just political maxim, that every man must be supposed a knave.

This avidity alone, of acquiring goods and possessions for ourselves and our nearest friends, is...

This avidity alone, of acquiring goods and possessions for ourselves and our nearest friends, is...