"All ideas, especially abstract ones, are naturally faint and obscure: the mind has but a slender hold of them: they are apt to be confounded with other resembling ideas; and when we have often employed any term, though without a distinct meaning, we are apt to imagine it has a determinate idea annexed to it. On the contrary, all impressions, that is, all sensations, either outward or inward, are strong and vivid: the limits between them are more exactly determined: nor is it easy to fall into any error or mistake with regard to them." (p.13)
After reading this segment in the origin of ideas section in Hume's book, I re-read it and analyzed it some more. I believe he is trying to point out that abstract ideas are suppose to be unclear and hazy. He seems to make it clear that it's okay for abstract thoughts to exist, it's a part of understanding. However, these abstract thoughts don't have many connections and memories in our minds, so we find come common connections to associate them with. By associating them with another concept, idea or object we can understand the abstract concept, even clarify it to the point of breaking free of the abstract unclear feeling of a thought.
Impressions and sensations, internal or external and definite and present. You know they exist and there is no unclear feeling about an impression because its your own opinion. Sensations are clear because there needs no clarifying about what you feel. You cannot mistake being nervous for being happy, I believe thats what Hume is trying to get across. Your view on someone is your own opinion and feelings towards them, therefore it is definite and has to exist because you are the creator.
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