Mankind are so much the same, in all times and places, that history informs us of nothing new or strange in this particular. Its chief use is only to discover the constant and universal principles of human nature, by showing men in all varieties of circumstances and situations.
#DavidHume
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We cannot point out that circumstance in the cause, which gives it a connexion with its effect.

We have no idea of this connexion; nor even any distinct notion what it is we desire to know, when we endeavour at a conception of it.

#DavidHume
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The only immediate utility of all sciences, is to teach us, how to control and regulate future events by their causes.

#Hume
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Why has the will an influence over the tongue and fingers, not over the heart or liver? Being in that case fully acquainted with the #power or force, by which it operates, we should also know, why its influence reaches precisely to such boundaries, and no farther.

#Hume
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Wherever the repetition of any particular act or operation produces a propensity to renew the same act or operation, without being impelled by any reasoning or process of the understanding; we always say, that this propensity is the effect of #Custom.

#DavidHume
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In all reasonings from #experience, there is a step taken by the mind, which is not supported by any argument or process of the understanding.

If the mind be not engaged by argument to make this step, it must be induced by some other principle of equal weight and authority.

#DavidHume
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In vain do you pretend to have learned the nature of bodies from your past #experience. Their secret nature, and consequently, all their effects and influence, may change, without any change in their sensible qualities.

#DavidHume
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