Francis Bacon Quotes
Born: January 22, 1561
Francis Bacon, the 16th-century philosopher and statesman, stands as a foundational architect of modern thought, blending empirical science with profound reflections on the human condition. His legacy, rooted in the pursuit of knowledge through observation, extends far beyond the courtroom into the realm of timeless wisdom. Bacon’s quotes resonate because they cut through illusion, urging us to learn from nature and experience rather than dogma. He believed that knowledge itself is power, yet tempered this with a deep understanding of life’s complexities—ambition, love, and mortality. His aphorisms remain a lantern for seekers of truth, offering clarity and courage to navigate the intricate tapestry of existence.
Francis Bacon Quotes (71)
"Reading maketh a full man; conference a ready man; and writing an exact man."
— Francis Bacon"Knowledge is power."
— Francis Bacon"In order for the light to shine so brightly, the darkness must be present."
— Francis Bacon"Imagination was given to man to compensate him for what he is not; a sense of humor to console him for what he is."
— Francis Bacon"The job of the artist is always to deepen the mystery."
— Francis Bacon"There is no excellent beauty that hath not some strangeness in the proportion."
— Francis Bacon"Wives are young men's mistresses, companions for middle age, and old men's nurses."
— Francis Bacon"Truth is the daughter of time, not of authority."
— Francis Bacon"It is impossible to love and to be wise."
— Francis Bacon"There is no comparison between that which is lost by not succeeding and that which is lost by not trying."
— Francis Bacon"He that hath wife and children hath given hostages to fortune; for they are impediments to great enterprises, either of virtue or mischief."
— Francis Bacon"Nature, to be commanded, must be obeyed."
— Francis Bacon"But men must know, that in this theatre of man's life it is reserved only for God and angels to be lookers on."
— Francis Bacon"Hope is a good breakfast, but it is a bad supper."
— Francis Bacon"Some books are to be tasted, others to be swallowed, and some few to be chewed and digested."
— Francis Bacon"The remedy is worse than the disease."
— Francis Bacon"Age appears to be best in four things; old wood best to burn, old wine to drink, old friends to trust, and old authors to read."
— Francis Bacon"A wise man will make more opportunities than he finds."
— Francis Bacon"Silence is the sleep that nourishes wisdom."
— Francis Bacon"If a man's wit be wandering, let him study the mathematics."
— Francis Bacon"The best part of beauty is that which no picture can express."
— Francis Bacon"A little philosophy inclineth man's mind to atheism, but depth in philosophy bringeth men's minds about to religion."
— Francis Bacon"Truth emerges more readily from error than from confusion."
— Francis Bacon"Natural abilities are like natural plants, that need pruning by study; and studies themselves do give forth directions too much at large, except they be bounded in by experience."
— Francis Bacon"In taking revenge, a man is but even with his enemy; but in passing it over, he is superior."
— Francis Bacon"A man that studieth revenge keeps his own wounds green."
— Francis Bacon"Virtue is like a rich stone, best plain set."
— Francis Bacon"If we do not maintain justice, justice will not maintain us."
— Francis Bacon"Friends are thieves of time."
— Francis Bacon"Revenge is a kind of wild justice, which the more a man's nature runs to, the more ought law to weed it out."
— Francis Bacon