"Custom is the great guide to human life"

David Hume’s assertion that “Custom is the great guide to human life” reveals a profound insight into the nature of human behavior, belief, and reasoning. At its core, Hume’s idea reflects his empiricist philosophy, emphasizing that much of what people think, do, and expect in daily existence is learned through habitual experience rather than through pure rational deduction or innate ideas. Human beings navigate the world largely by relying on repeated patterns and familiar practices, not simply by conscious reasoning each time a situation is encountered.

Custom, in this sense, provides continuity and predictability. People form expectations about the world based on what has happened before. For instance, after observing that the sun rises every morning, individuals expect this pattern to continue. This expectation is not grounded in logical necessity but in the repeated experience of observing the same event. Custom instills a sense of order and stability in what could otherwise be an overwhelming and chaotic reality, allowing people to make sense of their environment and anticipate future occurrences.

Furthermore, custom influences not only actions but also belief systems, moral judgments, and cultural norms. Societies are shaped and governed by traditions; the way individuals greet each other, celebrate, or resolve disputes is largely dictated by inherited customs. These ingrained habits operate beneath the surface, often unconsciously, guiding choices and shaping identities.

By highlighting the guiding role of custom, Hume also points to the limitations of reason. While reasoning plays an essential role in contemplating new ideas or resolving complex problems, it is custom that steers ordinary life. Rather than being rational calculators in all matters, individuals are creatures of habit, depending on precedents established by themselves and their communities. Ultimately, custom acts as an invisible hand, shaping, directing, and giving coherence to human life.