David Hume: 'It is not reason which is the guide of life, but custom.'

It is not reason which is the guide of life, but custom.

In his profound quote, David Hume suggests that custom, rather than reason, serves as the primary guide for our lives. This thought-provoking statement challenges conventional wisdom and invites us to reflect on the role of tradition and habit in shaping our actions and decisions. While reason is often considered the pinnacle of human rationality, Hume's claim urges us to broaden our perspective and reevaluate the influence of social norms and ingrained behaviors. Instead of relying solely on logical deduction, Hume contends that our conduct is more deeply intertwined with the customs we adopt and the traditions we inherit.At first glance, Hume's perspective might seem counterintuitive. After all, reason appears to be the rational compass guiding our choices, directing us towards well-reasoned, logical courses of action. However, a deeper exploration of human behavior reveals the intricate interplay between reason and custom, shedding light on the significance of Hume's assertion.To better comprehend the implications of Hume's quote, let's introduce a philosophical concept known as existential phenomenology. Developed by thinkers like Jean-Paul Sartre and Maurice Merleau-Ponty, this framework examines human existence and consciousness as intimately linked to embodied experience and lived reality. In the context of Hume's quote, existential phenomenology allows us to delve into the subjective, experiential dimensions of custom and reason.When considering reason as a guide for life, we often imagine a straightforward, linear process where rational thought leads to action. Yet, this perspective overlooks the complex and multidimensional nature of our existence. Existential phenomenology reveals that our engagement with the world is deeply intertwined with our social and cultural contexts, informing our beliefs, attitudes, and behaviors.Custom, as Hume suggests, encompasses these societal influences, shaping our thoughts and actions through a hidden web of societal conventions and expectations. We are born into a world that already possesses customs, values, and traditions, which subtly embed themselves in our consciousness and inform our understanding of the world. As we grow and interact with society, these customs become deeply ingrained, anchoring our sense of identity and influencing our choices.Reason, on the other hand, operates within the boundaries set by these customs. While it offers us a tool to navigate and analyze the world around us, it is intrinsically influenced and constrained by the collective customs we adopt. In this light, reason can be seen as a subordinate force, functioning within the framework of inherited traditions – its ability to challenge these customs often limited by the strength of societal norms.By recognizing the strength and influence of custom, Hume highlights an important aspect of human behavior that often goes unnoticed. Our reliance on custom extends beyond superficial habits and routines, permeating deep into our value systems and moral judgments. It is through custom that societies shape our understanding of what is right and wrong, guiding our actions with a subtle force that hails from collective wisdom and shared experiences.The significance of Hume's quote is not to discount the importance of reason in decision-making, but rather to caution against overlooking the profound impact of custom in our lives. By acknowledging that custom is an integral aspect of our existence, we can gain a deeper understanding of our own behaviors and the forces that shape them.So, while reason may provide us with a logical framework for rational thought, it is within the realm of custom that our choices find their true meaning. Custom shapes our identity, molds our values, and influences our moral compass in ways that go beyond mere intellectual reasoning. By embracing this notion, we can gain a richer understanding of the human experience and the intricate interplay between reason and tradition.