"The heights of popularity and patriotism are still the beaten road to power and tyranny"

This quote by David Hume is a caution versus the threats of untreated power. He is recommending that when people end up being too popular or too patriotic, they can end up being too powerful and utilize that power to oppress others. He is warning versus the idea that popularity and patriotism are always great, as they can be used to control people and cause tyranny. He is suggesting that people need to be wary of those who seek power through popularity and patriotism, as they may be utilizing it to get control over others. Hume is warning us to be familiar with the potential for power to be abused, and to be watchful in protecting our freedoms.