Essential Hume: Who Was David Hume?

This popular Edinburgh landmark portrays Hume (1711 - 1776) as an ancient Greek philosopher. While he was neither ancient nor Greek, Hume was also an influential historian, economist, and writer who lived in the Scottish capital from 1711 till his death in 1776. LOCAL TRADITION DICTATES THAT THE touch of David Hume’s toe will bring good luck, though the practice ironically defies the philosopher’s vehement rejection of superstition. Due to the statute’s placement to the High Court, suspected cri