A Treatise of Human Nature · Chapter
Section IV: Of the Causes of the Violent Passions explained
Hume examines why some passions are violent and others calm, arguing that violence depends on the situation of the object rather than the passion's strength.
What happens
Hume examines why some passions are violent and others calm, arguing that violence depends on the situation of the object rather than the passion's strength. He identifies several factors that increase passion: the conversion of any accompanying emotion into the predominant passion, the opposition of contrary passions, uncertainty, and obscurity. He also notes that absence can either weaken or strengthen passions depending on their initial intensity, and that security diminishes passion by removing uncertainty.
Themes in this chapter
Passions and the Self
Hume explores how passions are influenced by circumstances, distinguishing calm from violent passions and their role in action.
Custom and General Rules
The chapter discusses how custom and habit affect the force of passions, such as the effect of martial discipline and repeated practice.
Characters to notice
- David Hume
Author of the Treatise, presenting his analysis of the causes of violent passions.
Key passages
“It is a remarkable property of human nature, that any emotion, which attends a passion, is easily converted into it, though in their natures they be originally different from, and even contrary to each other.”
A notable feature of human nature is that any emotion accompanying a passion tends to be absorbed into that passion, even if the emotion is originally different or opposite.
Hume introduces the principle of conversion of emotions into the predominant passion.
“Hence we naturally desire what is forbid, and take a pleasure in performing actions, merely because they are unlawful.”
Thus, we naturally want what is forbidden and enjoy doing things simply because they are prohibited.
Hume explains how opposition from duty or law can intensify passions.
“The Duc de la Rochefoucault has very well observed, that absence destroys weak passions, but increases strong; as the wind extinguishes a candle, but blows up a fire.”
La Rochefoucauld noted that absence weakens weak passions but strengthens strong ones, just as wind puts out a candle but fuels a fire.
Hume cites La Rochefoucauld to illustrate the dual effect of absence on passions.