Jul

7

A loitering rogue

July 7, 2025 |

Lytton Strachey, in Biographical Essays, writes about David Hume:

Not long before he died he amused himself by writing his autobiography — a model of pointed brevity. In one of his last conversations — it was with Adam Smith — he composed an imaginary conversation between himself and Charon, after the manner of Lucian: "Have a little patience, good Charon, I have been endeavouring to open the eyes of the Public. If I live a few years longer, I may have the satisfaction of seeing the downfall of some of the prevailing systems of superstition." But Charon would then lose all temper and decency. "You loitering rogue, that will not happen these many hundred years. Do you fancy I will grant you a lease for so long a term? Get into the boat this instant, you lazy, loitering rogue."

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