[Skybird]

David Hume (1748) - An Enquiry Concerning Human Understanding

The mere philosopher is a character, which is commonly but little acceptable in the world, as being supposed to contribute nothing either to the advantage or pleasure of society; while he lives remote from communication with mankind, and is wrapped up in principles and notions equally remote from their comprehension. On the other hand, the mere ignorant is still more despised; nor is any thing deemed a surer sign of an illiberal genius in an age and nation where the sciences flourish, than to be entirely destitute of all relish for those noble entertainments. The most perfect character is supposed to lie between those extremes; retaining an equal ability and taste for books, company, and business; preserving in conversation that discernment and delicacy which arise from polite letters; and in business, that probity and accuracy which are the natural result of a just philosophy. In order to diffuse and cultivate so accomplished a character, nothing can be more useful than compositions of the easy style and manner, which draw not too much from life, require no deep application or retreat to be comprehended, and send back the student among mankind full of noble sentiments and wise precepts, applicable to every exigence of human life. By means of such compositions, virtue becomes amiable, science agreeable, company instructive, and retirement entertaining.

http://sqapo.com/CompleteText-Hume-C...erstanding.htm

Cannot claim to have read Hume in any complete work of his, but in many excerpts from various works, always being impressed. I wonder whether there would have been the influx of Kant in Germany without Kant having been affected by the influx of Hume. I slowly read my way through the above work currently, since Spring, in no systematic effort, but a lazy approach. Enjoyable.

Hume is one of those famous great Scottish minds, no doubt on that.