How we cite our quotes: Section.Part (if applicable).Paragraph
Quote #4
That honesty is the best policy, may be a good general rule, but is liable to many exceptions; and he, it may perhaps be thought, conducts himself with most wisdom, who observes the general rule, and takes advantage of all the exceptions […] If his heart rebel not against such pernicious maxims, if he feel no reluctance to the thoughts of villainy or baseness, he has indeed lost a considerable motive to virtue. (IX.II.9)
Ah, that age-old question: is honesty the best policy? Some may say it's wisest to keep to this rule for the most part but cash in on any exception. Why not put aside honesty if there's something to be gained? But, nope, Hume views this as a slippery slope. If a person loses sight of virtue then they're way more likely to go over to the dark side.
Quote #5
Inward peace of mind, consciousness of integrity, a satisfactory review of our own conduct; these are circumstances, very requisite to happiness, and will be cherished and cultivated by every honest man, who feels the importance of them. (IX.II.10)
In his version of a self-help mantra, Hume gives us the score on what's important. In his eyes, happiness isn't to be found in riches or by giving in to every temptation; it's about integrity, inner peace, and the ability to look at ourselves and think about how we act. In Hume's opinion, this is the model citizen.
Quote #6
THERE is a principle [...] that all benevolence is mere hypocrisy, friendship a cheat, public spirit a farce [...] and that while all of us, at bottom, pursue only our private interest, we wear these fair disguises, in order to put others off their guard, and expose them the more to our wiles and machinations. What heart one must be possessed of who possesses such principles [...] Or if we should not ascribe these principles wholly to a corrupted heart, we must at least account for them from the most careless and precipitate examination. (AII.1)
Hume may argue that self-interest is natural, but he's not buying the argument that all the virtues that seem benevolent are, actually, just masks. To imagine that everyone's constantly scheming and plotting is a pretty gloomy conclusion and doesn't give people much credit. Hume doesn't see this as the normal order of things and suggests that, when people do act in this way, it may be the result of careless or rash decisions rather than because they've become totally inhuman.