2. z
Francis Bacon’s essays are full of
worldly wisdom
Bacon’s essays are full of worldly wisdom and
practical thinking Worldly wisdom refers to the
kind of wisdom that is required for achieving
worldly success. Bacon is clearly seen in his
essays both as a philosopher and a moralist.
3. z
Nobody can deny the wisdom of his understanding of the
affairs of the world. He shows an extraordinary insight
regarding the problems that men face in life.
He himself described his essays as "Counsels, civil and
moral." which means that his essays provide such
guidance to the readers as could help them in attaining
success in civil life while at the same time observing
certain basic moral laws.
4. z
Examples From essays:
In his essay "Of Truth", Bacon appreciates truth and
wishes people to speak the truth. He says: "A lie faces
God and shrinks from man." He warns human beings
against the punishment for the liar on the doomsday. But at
the same time, he considers a lie as an 'alloy' which
increases the strength of gold and feels it necessary for the
survival on earth. He says: "A lie doth ever add
pleasure". This is purely a statement of a "worldly wise
man".
5. z
In his essay "Of Studies", Bacon's approach
towards studies symbolizes his wisdom. In his
essay "Of Studies", he does not emphasize on
study for its own sake, but for the benefit which it
can provide to man to be supplemented by
practical experience. Bacon says, "Reading
maketh a full man, conference a ready man and
writing an exact man.
6. z
In the essay "Of Revenge" Bacon shows a certain
high morality by saying that:
"Revenge is a kind of wild justice; One who
studieth revenge, keeps his own wounds green."
He feels dignity in forgiving ones enemy. But then
he says that even revenge is just in the cases when
one can save one's skin from the hands of law.
7. z
In short, His essays are a handbook of practical
wisdom with maxims which are very helpful for
worldly wisdom and success. He is a moralist-
cum-worldly wise man. For this reason, William
Blake says about Bacon's essays:
"Good advice for Satan's kingdom."
