A Treatise of Human Nature · Chapter
Section VII: Of the Origin of Government explained
Hume explores the origin of government, arguing that while men are governed by interest and recognize the necessity of justice for society, they are naturally inclined to prefer immediate advantages over remote ones.
What happens
Hume explores the origin of government, arguing that while men are governed by interest and recognize the necessity of justice for society, they are naturally inclined to prefer immediate advantages over remote ones. This weakness leads to frequent violations of equity. The remedy is found in establishing civil magistrates who, being indifferent to most of society, have an immediate interest in enforcing justice. Government thus arises to correct human infirmity, ensuring both the execution and decision of justice, and enabling collective projects that individuals cannot coordinate.
Themes in this chapter
Artificial Virtues and Justice
Justice is presented as a set of rules upheld by government, which is an artificial invention to counter human partiality.
Passions and the Self
Human nature's tendency to prefer the contiguous over the remote is a central passion that government must correct.
Custom and General Rules
The establishment of government relies on general rules of justice, which are enforced through custom and habit.
Characters to notice
- David Hume
Author and narrator, presenting the argument on the origin of government.
Key passages
“Nothing is more certain, than that men are, in a great measure, governed by interest, and that even when they extend their concern beyond themselves, it is not to any great distance; nor is it usual for them, in common life, to look farther than their nearest friends and acquaintance.”
It is clear that people are largely motivated by self-interest, and even when they care about others, it is usually only those close to them.
Hume sets the stage by acknowledging the limited scope of human concern.
“This is the reason why men so often act in contradiction to their known interest; and in particular why they prefer any trivial advantage, that is present, to the maintenance of order in society, which so much depends on the observance of justice.”
People frequently act against their own long-term interests because they are swayed by immediate gains rather than the distant benefits of a just society.
Explains the psychological basis for the need for government.
“Here then is the origin of civil government and society. Men are not able radically to cure, either in themselves or others, that narrowness of soul, which makes them prefer the present to the remote.”
Thus, government arises because humans cannot overcome their inherent tendency to favor the present over the future, so they create institutions to enforce justice.
Key statement of the origin of government.