Full Idea
When we assert that all lawful government arises from the consent of the people, we certainly do them a great deal more honour than they deserve, or even expect or desire from us.
Gist of Idea
The people would be amazed to learn that government arises from their consent
Source
David Hume (Of the original contract [1741], p.285)
Book Reference
Hume,David: 'Selected Essays' [OUP 1996], p.285
A Reaction
Hume has no interest in the purely abstract idea of a contract, and scorns Locke's idea of tacit consent to government. I assume he would dismiss Rawls as unrealistic theorising. Hume loves peace, and is alarmed by change.