# Appendix explained — A Treatise of Human Nature

> Chapter companion for A Treatise of Human Nature by David Hume.

## What happens

In this appendix, Hume revisits his theory of belief and personal identity, acknowledging difficulties in reconciling the distinctness of perceptions with the felt connection that forms the self. He reaffirms that belief is a firmer conception, not a separate impression, and confesses to being entangled in a labyrinth regarding personal identity, proposing scepticism as a result. He also corrects two minor errors from earlier sections.

## Themes in this chapter

### Skepticism About the External World

Hume's confession of being in a labyrinth and his plea for scepticism highlight the limits of human understanding.

### Passions and the Self

The appendix deeply examines the nature of the self, questioning its simplicity and identity, and linking it to perceptions.

### Custom and General Rules

Hume's discussion of belief as a firmer conception relies on custom and habit, which are central to his philosophy.

## Character check-ins

### David Hume

Hume reflects on his own theory, confessing difficulties with personal identity and correcting earlier errors.

## Key lines

> The transition from a present impression, always enlivens and strengthens any idea.

A present impression makes associated ideas more vivid and forceful.

_Hume explains how belief is strengthened by the transition from impression to idea._

> When I turn my reflection on myself, I never can perceive this self without some one or more perceptions; nor can I ever perceive anything but the perceptions.

When I introspect, I only find perceptions, never a self separate from them.

_Hume argues that the self is nothing but a bundle of perceptions._

> I cannot discover any theory, which gives me satisfaction on this head.

I cannot find a satisfactory explanation for how perceptions are connected.

_Hume admits the difficulty in explaining personal identity._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/a_treatise_of_human_nature_se/chapters/appendix
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/a_treatise_of_human_nature_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/a_treatise_of_human_nature_se/chapters