“The great end of all human industry, is the attainment of happiness.”

— David Hume, Essays, Moral, Political, and Literary (1741-2; 1748)

About David Hume

1711 – 1776

Scottish philosopher and historian.

“Nothing is more dangerous to reason than the flights of the imagination.”

“Morals excite passions, and produce or prevent actions. Reason of itself is utterly impotent in this particular.”

“Reason is wholly inactive, and can never be the source of so active a principle as conscience, or a sense of morals.”

“The secret of joy in work is contained in one word — excellence.”

“The happiness of men consists in life. And life is in labor.”

“Why does this magnificent applied science which saves work and makes life easier bring us so little happiness?”

“I have nothing to offer but blood, toil, tears, and sweat.”

“Give us the tools and we will finish the job.”

“Eating and reading are two pleasures that combine admirably.”