David Hume
1711–1776 · Scottish · Enlightenment
Known for: Philosophy's greatest skeptic who was also the most cheerful, well-liked man in Paris—'le bon David'
Genial, sociable, and remarkably good-natured for someone who undermined virtually every certainty. Plump, cheerful, and loved cooking—Parisians adored him as 'le bon David.'
His skepticism was devastating—Kant said Hume woke him from his 'dogmatic slumber.' He died peacefully as an atheist, amazing Boswell who visited his deathbed.
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