David Hume Statue

A crowded place, you must be patient if you want to take some good photos

He was a Scottish philosopher, historian, economist, and essayist who was best known for his highly influential system.
The statue is located at the center of Royal Mile Street.

The bronze statue of the 18th century British philosopher statue of David Hume in Edinburgh commemorates the influential Scottish philosopher and Enlightenment thinker.
The statue was erected in 1997 by Sir Stewart Sutherland, Principal of the University of Edinburgh.

People usually rub the David Hume Statue's toe as a good luck ritual, they believe that this will bring luck or knowledge.

Located near the St. Giles Cathedral outside the High Court on the Royal Mile.

The David Hume statue, located on the Royal Mile in Edinburgh, is a prominent tribute to the influential Scottish philosopher and historian. Erected in 1997, this bronze statue portrays Hume seated in a contemplative pose, holding a book, symbolizing his contributions to philosophy and literature. Created by sculptor Alexander Stoddart, the statue is a significant landmark for those interested in Scottish Enlightenment history. A curious tradition has emerged where visitors rub the statue's toe for good luck, giving it a distinct shine. The statue serves as a reminder of Hume's enduring legacy in the fields of philosophy and intellectual thought.

The David Hume statue, gracing Edinburgh's Royal Mile, pays fitting tribute to the Enlightenment philosopher. Capturing his contemplative spirit, the bronze figure invites reflection on reason and skepticism. The details, from the flowing robe to the poised expression, convey a sense of intellectual depth. Positioned near the High Court, it's a philosophical pause amidst historical hustle. While unassuming, the statue subtly commands attention, much like Hume's ideas that continue to shape modern thought. A modest yet thought-provoking homage to one of Scotland's intellectual giants.

Many pipers play close to this statue. Lots of tourists give money to the pipers. A fabulous tourist tradition which makes the pipers smile.

David Hume was a Scottish Enlightenment philosopher, historian, economist and essayist, who is best known today for his highly influential system of philosophical empiricism, scepticism, and naturalism. Hume attended the University of Edinburgh at an unusually early age 12 and found literary success in his lifetime as an essayist, and a career as a librarian at the University of Edinburgh. His tenure there, and the access to research materials it provided, resulted in Hume's writing the massive six-volume The History of England, which became a bestseller. Hume applied for the Chair of Pneumatics and Moral Philosophy at the University of Edinburgh with no success and failed to gain the chair of philosophy at the University of Glasgow due to his religious views. In 1766, Hume left Paris to accompany Jean-Jacques Rousseau to England. but he damage his reputation from a a quarrel with Rousseau. David Hume died at the southwest corner of St. Andrew's Square and his tomb stands, as he wished it, on the southwestern slope of Calton Hill.

This statue caught my eye right away. Hume in classic Greek style is for me a fine Scottish statue. The shiny toes is due to people rubbing it for good luck. I love that one of the most reasoned minds is commemorated with a toe that’s lucky to rub! Scotland, you are brilliant!