Quote #73

God's power is infinite. Whatever he wills is executed. But neither man, nor any other animal, is happy. Therefore he does not will their happiness. Epicurus' old questions are yet unanswered. Is God willing to prevent evil, but unable? Then is he impotent. Is he able, but not willing? Then is he malevolent. Is he both able and willing? Whence then is evil?

More from David Hume

  1. If the whole of natural theology, as some people seem to maintain, resolves itself into one simple, though somewhat ambiguous, at least und…
  2. Character is the result of a system of stereotyped principles.
  3. Look round this universe. What an immense profusion of beings, animated and organised, sensible and active! You admire this prodigious vari…
  4. Everything in the world is purchased by labor.
  5. Were a stranger to drop on a sudden into this world, I would show him, as a specimen of its ills, a hospital full of diseases, a prison cro…
  6. He is happy whom circumstances suit his temper; but he is more excellent who suits his temper to any circumstance.
  7. And why should man, added he, pretend to an exemption from the lot of all other animals? The whole earth, believe me, PHILO, is cursed and …
  8. Truth springs from argument amongst friends.

All David Hume quotes