“It is not reason which is the guide of life, but custom”
— David Hume
Simplified Meaning:
People often make decisions and act based on what they're used to, rather than thinking things through logically. For example, imagine someone who always drinks coffee in the morning because that's what they've done for years. They do it out of habit, not because they've decided each morning that coffee is the best choice. In many parts of the world, traditional ceremonies, like weddings or festivals, follow specific customs that have been passed down through generations. People keep doing these things not necessarily because they've thought deeply about them, but because it’s what they know and are comfortable with. In everyday life, this idea means sometimes we need to question our routines and possibly try new things instead of just following old habits. If a person wants to stop smoking, they can't only rely on thinking about the health benefits; they often need to break the habit and create new routines. Remembering this idea can help us improve our lives by making more thoughtful choices rather than just doing what’s familiar.