David Hume

David Hume was born to Joseph Hume and Katherine Falconer in Edinburgh, Scotland. He was the second of three children and grew up in a family with strong legal and intellectual traditions.

At the age of 12, Hume enrolled at the University of Edinburgh, where he pursued a broad education in the humanities and philosophy, showing early signs of his intellectual prowess.

Hume left the University of Edinburgh without completing a degree, opting to pursue his own studies and interests in philosophy, literature, and history, which he considered more fulfilling.

Hume moved to France, where he began working on his magnum opus, 'A Treatise of Human Nature.' This work laid the foundation for his philosophical ideas and empiricism.

Hume published the first two volumes of 'A Treatise of Human Nature,' which presented his theories on human understanding, emotions, and ethics. The work received little initial attention but later became highly influential.

Hume published 'Essays, Moral and Political,' a collection of essays that explored various topics in ethics, politics, and economics. This work solidified his reputation as a leading intellectual of the Enlightenment.

Hume applied for the Chair of Ethics and Pneumatics at the University of Edinburgh but was rejected due to his controversial philosophical views, which were seen as atheistic by some.

Hume was appointed Keeper of the Advocates' Library in Edinburgh, a position that provided him with access to a vast collection of books and allowed him to continue his scholarly work.

Hume began publishing 'The History of England,' a six-volume work that covered English history from the Roman conquest to the Revolution of 1688. This historical work was widely read and praised for its clarity and insight.

Hume was appointed Secretary to the British Embassy in Paris, where he became a prominent figure in the French Enlightenment, interacting with luminaries like Voltaire and Rousseau.

Hume returned to Edinburgh, where he continued to write and engage with the intellectual community. He worked on his 'Dialogues Concerning Natural Religion,' which was published posthumously.

David Hume died in Edinburgh, Scotland, on August 25, 1776. He left behind a legacy as one of the most influential philosophers and historians of the Enlightenment, known for his skepticism and empiricism.