Who said “He is happy, whose circumstances suit his temper; but he is more excellent, who can suit…”?

Verified

David Hume. A published source records them saying or writing it.

SourceAn Enquiry Concerning the Principles of Morals (1751)

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“He is happy, whose circumstances suit his temper; but he is more excellent, who can suit his temper to any circumstances.”
— David Hume
VerifiedAn Enquiry Concerning the Principles of Morals (1751) · evidenceCircumstance

Cite this quote

For academic work, cite the original where you can: An Enquiry Concerning the Principles of Morals (1751).

APA

Hume, D. (n.d.). He is happy, whose circumstances suit his temper; but he is more excellent, who can suit his temper to any circumstances. [Quotation]. Famous Quotations Network. Retrieved October 24, 2026, from https://www.famous-quotations.com/quotes/4062-he-is-happy-whose-circumstances-suit-his-temper/

MLA

Hume, David. “He is happy, whose circumstances suit his temper; but he is more excellent, who can suit his temper to any circumstances.” Famous Quotations Network, https://www.famous-quotations.com/quotes/4062-he-is-happy-whose-circumstances-suit-his-temper/. Accessed 24 Oct. 2026.

Chicago

Hume, David. “He is happy, whose circumstances suit his temper; but he is more excellent, who can suit his temper to any circumstances.” Famous Quotations Network. Accessed October 24, 2026. https://www.famous-quotations.com/quotes/4062-he-is-happy-whose-circumstances-suit-his-temper/.

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