Principles derived from reason are not always followed from "summary" of A Treatise of Human Nature: Texts by David Hume
Reason is the faculty that enables us to form principles of conduct and to govern our actions accordingly. It is supposed to be the guiding light that leads us towards what is right and just. However, in reality, we often find ourselves acting in ways that are contrary to the dictates of reason. One reason for this discrepancy between reason and action is the influence of our passions and emotions. These forces have a powerful effect on our behavior, often leading us astray from the path of reason. When our passions are strong, they can overpower the voice of reason and compel us to act in ways that we know to be irrational. Another factor that contributes to our failure to follow principles derived from reason is the complexity of human nature. We are not always consistent in our thoughts and actions, and our behavior is often influenced by a myriad of factors that are beyond the scope of reason alone. Our past experiences, our upbringing, and our social environment all play a role in shaping our behavior, sometimes leading us to act in ways that are at odds with reason. Furthermore, the pursuit of self-interest can also cloud our judgment and prevent us from acting in accordance with reason. When we are motivated by personal gain or ambition, we may be tempted to set aside the principles of reason in favor of our own desires. In these cases, reason takes a back seat to self-interest, and we end up making decisions that are not in our best long-term interests.- While reason may provide us with a set of principles to guide our conduct, it is not always the driving force behind our actions. Our passions, our complex nature, and our self-interest often lead us astray, causing us to act in ways that are contrary to reason. As such, we must be mindful of these influences and strive to align our actions with the principles of reason as much as possible.
