Humanity and Commerce

Hume’s dissatisfaction with modern political philosophy led him to the study of history as a mirror to “the constant and universal principles of human nature” (EHU 83). This study of history, while it led him to insist that there was an enduring human nature across time, also led him to appreciate the unique accomplishments (and problems) in political practice of modern Europe of his time1 and to see the political arrangements of ancient regimes as almost unbelievable distortions of human nature. For Hume, ancient political institutions are peculiar, violent, immoderate, and generally undesirable, while modern practice is gentle and moderate and fosters happiness and human flourishing. How can Hume reach this conclusion about the superiority of modern to ancient times? How are we to understand his turn to history as a mirror of nature when it comes to studying human nature?