A Treatise of Human Nature · Chapter
Section XII: Of the Love and Hatred of Animals explained
Hume extends his analysis of love and hatred to animals, arguing that these passions are common to all sentient beings and operate through simple principles without requiring reflection.
What happens
Hume extends his analysis of love and hatred to animals, arguing that these passions are common to all sentient beings and operate through simple principles without requiring reflection. He observes that animals' affections are based on sensible good and evil, that sympathy communicates passions among them, and that envy and malice are more common than pity in animals.
Free preview opens on this chapter — companions, themes, and character notes appear beside the text.
Narrative arc
Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Falling action.
- Setup
- Escalation
- Breaking point
- Aftermath
- Closing
In Part II, the dramatic climax occurs when Hume systematically dismantles the direct, simple origin of love a…
Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.
Follow the arc while readingThemes in this chapter
- Passions and the Self
Hume examines love and hatred as passions common to animals, showing they operate without complex self-reflection.
- Sympathy and Social Influence
Sympathy is shown to operate in animals, as passions like fear and grief are communicated among them.
Characters to notice
- David Hume
Author of the section, analyzing love and hatred in animals.
Key passages
“There is no force of reflection or penetration required. Everything is conducted by springs and principles, which are not peculiar to man, or any one species of animals.”
No deep thought is needed; the causes of love and hatred are simple and universal across species.
Highlights the simplicity of animal passions.
“A dog naturally loves a man above his own species, and very commonly meets with a return of affection.”
Dogs often prefer humans over their own kind and are usually loved back.
Illustrates cross-species affection.
“The howlings and lamentations of a dog produce a sensible concern in his fellows.”
A dog's cries cause visible distress in other dogs.
Demonstrates sympathy among animals.
