My Own Life

Abstract

Written in April 1776, My Own Life, translated by us as Minha própria vida, is a concise autobiography written by Hume on the eve of his death. It was posthumously published in March 1777 by Strahan and Cadell, as part of a collection of other writings compiled into a work titled The Life of David Hume, Esq. Written by Himself.

With only 21 paragraphs, Minha própria vida presents us with Hume’s genius, both in terms of content and the clarity and precision of his writing. He does not shy away from criticism, nor does he attempt to soften his own limitations and mood swings, revealing himself as someone who, throughout his life, experienced both successes and challenges, in both his personal and professional spheres.

We hope that, with this translation, we can provide the reader with a fluid reading experience, preserving, as much as possible, the content and style of the original text, transporting them to the 18th-century context that directly influenced the author’s work and life.