Francis Bacon
Francis Bacon
Francis Bacon, 1st Viscount St Alban PC KCwas an English philosopher, statesman, scientist, jurist, orator, and author. He served both as Attorney General and as Lord Chancellor of England. After his death, he remained extremely influential through his works, especially as philosophical advocate and practitioner of the scientific method during the scientific revolution...
NationalityEnglish
ProfessionPhilosopher
Date of Birth21 January 1561
cannot certain government hearts hold hopes sign wise
It is a certain sign of a wise government and proceeding that it can hold men's hearts by hopes when it cannot by satisfaction
admiration cannot discretion good hold man proportion
It is good discretion not to make too much of any man at the first; because one cannot hold out that proportion
impossible love wise
It is impossible to love and be wise
bear begin doubts
If we begin with certainties, we will end in doubt. But if we begin with doubts and bear them patiently, we may end in certainty.
begin certainty patient shall
If we begin with certainties, we shall end in doubts; but if we begin with doubts, and are patient in them, we shall end in certainties.
thinking errors understanding
It is the peculiar and perpetual error of the human understanding to be more moved and excited by affirmatives than by negatives
great people position servants
People of great position are servants times three, servants of their country, servants of fame, and servants of business.
fear few mind miserable state
It is a miserable state of mind to have few things to desire, and many things to fear
children ignorance boldness
Boldness is a child of ignorance
men two errors
Another error is an impatience of doubt and haste to assertion without due and mature suspension of judgment. For the two ways of contemplation are not unlike the two ways of action commonly spoken of by the ancients; the one plain and smooth in the beginning, and in the end impassable; the other rough and troublesome in the entrance, but after a while fair and even. So it is in contemplation; if a man will begin with certainties, he shall end in doubts; but if he will be content to begin with doubts, he shall end in certainties.
men experience unexpected
A sudden bold and unexpected question doth many times surprise a man and lay him open.
fall knowledge angel
The desire of excessive power caused the angels to fall; the desire of knowledge caused men to fall.
art men logic
Men are rather beholden ... generally to chance or anything else, than to logic, for the invention of arts and sciences.
men consistency may
Look to make your course regular, that men may know beforehand what they may expect.