"This avidity alone, of acquiring goods and possessions for ourselves and our nearest friends, is insatiable, perpetual, universal, and directly destructive of society"
- David Hume
About this Quote
This quote by David Hume is describing the human tendency to be driven by greed and the desire to obtain product possessions. Hume is recommending that this avidity, or strong desire, is pressing, indicating it can never be satisfied, and is perpetual, meaning it is continuous and nonstop. He also mentions that this avidity is universal, meaning it is present in all individuals, and is straight harmful of society. Hume is indicating that this greed and desire for material possessions can result in a breakdown of social order and can be damaging to the cumulative. He is alerting that this avidity can have an unfavorable influence on society if it is not kept in check.
"Having soon discovered to be great, I must appear so, and therefore studiously avoided mixing in society, and wrapped myself in mystery, devoting my time to fasting and prayer"
"Without culture, and the relative freedom it implies, society, even when perfect, is but a jungle. This is why any authentic creation is a gift to the future"
