How we cite our quotes: Section.Part (if applicable).Paragraph
Quote #1
Who sees not […] that whatever is produced or improved by a man's art or industry ought, for ever, to be secured to him, in order to give encouragement to such useful habits and accomplishments? That the property ought also to descend to children and relations, for the same useful purpose? That it may be alienated by consent, in order to beget that commerce and intercourse, which is so beneficial to human society? And that all contracts and promises ought carefully to be fulfilled, in order to secure mutual trust and confidence, by which the general interest of mankind is so much promoted? (III.II.7)
Would we have the same motivation to work hard if we weren't allowed to own stuff? The idea of property encourages folk to spend their time carrying out useful tasks. Likewise, if a house is passed down in a family, the new owners inherit this motivation. This doesn't mean there's no flexibility: property isn't something we're tied to, and we can exchange it and enter into contracts or promises that are beneficial. Once we've agreed to any promise of this kind, we trust that both sides will keep to the bargain. Why? Altogether now: because it's useful and beneficial.
Quote #2
What other reason, indeed, could writers ever give, why this must be mine and that yours; since uninstructed nature surely never made any such distinction? The objects which receive those appellations are, of themselves […] totally disjoined and separated from us; and nothing but the general interests of society can form the connexion. (III.II.9)
While some virtues/vices are natural, there are other categories that have been created because they serve a purpose. Think about it: the idea of ownership didn't just spring up from nowhere, and it's not something that's always been around. The idea that this is mine and this is yours makes up a social contract that we all recognize. There's no natural link between us and the stuff we own. It's only through shared ideas and language that the idea of property has come about.
Quote #3
The imagination is influenced by associations of ideas; which, though they arise at first from the judgement, are not easily altered by every particular exception […] To which we may add, in the present case of chastity, that the example of the old would be pernicious to the young; and that women, continually foreseeing that a certain time would bring them the liberty of indulgence, would naturally advance that period, and think more lightly of this whole duty. (IV.7)
Though folks may be more laid-back today, chastity has traditionally been classed as a virtue—especially for women. Don't worry—our inner feminists are bristling with disdain, too. But it's true: back in the "good" old days, failure in this area was seen as harmful to both the family unit and society at large. So much for sexual liberation. We could see this virtue as only applying to women of childbearing age, but, as Hume explains, the argument is that older women acting in an immoral way would set a bad example. We're not saying this is true, but it makes for a pretty interesting debate.