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20189 | Belief is a feeling, independent of the will, which arises from uncontrolled and unknown causes [Hume] |
Full Idea: Belief consists merely in a certain feeling or sentiment; in something, that depends not on the will, but must arise from certain determinate causes and principles, of which we are not master. | |
From: David Hume (Treatise of Human Nature, + Appendix [1740], Appen p.2) | |
A reaction: This is the opposite of Descartes' 'doxastic voluntarism' (i.e. we choose what to believe). If you want to become a Christian, steep yourself in religious literature, and the company of religious people. It will probably work. |