David Hume

A little philosophy makes a man an Atheist: a great deal converts him to religion

The chief benefit, which results from philosophy, arises in an indirect manner, and proceeds more from its secret, insensible influence, than from its immediate application.

Every wise, just, and mild government, by rendering the condition of its subjects easy and secure, will always abound most in people, as well as in commodities and riches.

The advantages found in history seem to be of three kinds, as it amuses the fancy, as it improves the understanding, and as it strengthens virtue.

It is not contrary to reason to prefer the destruction of the whole world to the scratching of my finger.

No advantages in this world are pure and unmixed.

What a peculiar privilege has this little agitation of the brain which we call 'thought'.

The heights of popularity and patriotism are still the beaten road to power and tyranny.

The law always limits every power it gives.

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

Philosophy would render us entirely Pyrrhonian, were not nature too strong for it.

The rules of morality are not the conclusion of our reason.

Scholastic learning and polemical divinity retarded the growth of all true knowledge.

Men often act knowingly against their interest.

To be a philosophical sceptic is, in a man of letters, the first and most essential to being a sound, believing Christian.

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

The corruption of the best things gives rise to the worst.