Quotation
Quote by David Hume
Reason is, and ought only to be, the slave of the passions, and can never pretend to any other office than to serve and obey them.
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Understanding this quote
The quote presents reason as a tool rather than a ruler. It helps people work out how to achieve what their passions—strong desires and feelings—already lead them to pursue. Reason can guide action and solve problems, but it does not set the ultimate goals; it serves the ends supplied by passion.
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About this quotation
- Source
- Project Gutenberg, The Philosophical Works of David Hume, Volume II
- Format
- Official Statement
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