Full Idea
The distinction which we sometimes make betwixt a power and the exercise of it is entirely frivolous, and ... neither man nor any other being ought ever to be thought possesst of any ability, unless it be exerted and put into action.
Gist of Idea
The distinction between a power and its exercise is entirely frivolous
Source
David Hume (Treatise of Human Nature [1739], p.311), quoted by George Molnar - Powers 5
Book Reference
Molnar,George: 'Powers: a study in metaphysics', ed/tr. Mumford,Stephen [OUP 2003], p.99
A Reaction
[page in OUP] Molnar says this strong intuition is shared by most of us, but I take the world to be full of people who can play the piano or speak Spanish, but never actually do it. [but see Idea 11942] Most wasps never sting anything.
Related Idea
Idea 11942 Power is the possibility of action, as discovered by experience [Hume]