To the Editor:

I wanted to briefly share with community members what I gleaned from reading an interpretation of a part of David Hume’s book, “A Treatise of Human Nature.”

I think the few ideas I want to share as they were put forth by the philosopher in 1739 can be used as a lens through which we could view our upcoming days, especially as political changes are being made. 

Hume states that each person, family, or group that constitutes a society understands the underlying rights accorded to each, and to tolerate the inevitable political and cultural differences among us, so the society may flourish.

How is this done? Hume goes on to say that the same sympathies we bring to our families, the same weaknesses and strengths and challenges and dreams, are essentially universal and apply to all. To the degree we keep this in our hearts, minds, and actions, and to recognize and “allow the same in others,” we will continue to be a society.

Hume also puts forth this caution: It would be impossible to talk together by any reasonable terms, in any reasonable way, about any common good “if each of us were to consider our neighbors only from our peculiar point of view.”  For, after all, to learn to tolerate, in its first definition, is not merely to endure, but to allow the existence and presence of each of us without the threat of undue censure or restrictions or malice.

And so I ask. Isn’t this the only real threat: that we disconnect from sympathy; that we no longer permit difference; that we see a future restricting our right to be, not only simply for one’s self, but for the community we share and enter every day?

Robert Mason

Guilderland