Single Idea 3927

[catalogued under 24. Political Theory / C. Ruling a State / 3. Government / a. Government]

Full Idea

Truths which are pernicious to society, if any such there be, will yield to errors which are salutary and advantageous.

Gist of Idea

Society prefers helpful lies to harmful truth

Source

David Hume (Enquiry concerning Principles of Morals [1751], IX.II.228)

Book Reference

Hume,David: 'Enquiries Conc. Human Understanding, Morals', ed/tr. Selby-Bigge/Nidditch [OUP 1975], p.279


A Reaction

Hume probably meant religion. Two centuries later we have a greater appetite for uncomfortable truth.

Related Ideas

Idea 12549 Nothing is so beautiful to the eye as truth is to the mind [Locke]

Idea 1852 For the mind Good is one truth among many, and Truth is one good among many [Aquinas]