An English philosopher, statesman, and scientist, Francis Bacon is known for developing the empirical method of scientific investigation. His works, including „Novum Organum,“ laid the groundwork for the modern scientific method and emphasized the importance of observation and experimentation.
138 quotes
Who questions much, shall learn much, and retain much.
Francis BaconAntiquities are history defaced, or some remnants of history which have casually escaped the shipwreck of time.
Francis BaconCertainly, in taking revenge, a man is but even with his enemy, but in passing it over, he is superior; for it is a prince’s part to pardon.
Francis BaconKnowledge and human power are synonymous.
Francis BaconFriends are thieves of time.
Francis BaconNothing doth more hurt in a state than that cunning men pass for wise.
Francis BaconJudges ought to be more leaned than witty, more reverent than plausible, and more advised than confident. Above all things, integrity is their portion and proper virtue.
Francis BaconThere is nothing makes a man suspect much, more than to know little.
Francis BaconLife, an age to the miserable, and a moment to the happy.
Francis BaconThe pencil of the Holy Ghost hath labored more in describing the afflictions of Job than the felicities of Solomon.
Francis BaconThe subtlety of nature is greater many times over than the subtlety of the senses and understanding.
Francis BaconSmall amounts of philosophy lead to atheism, but larger amounts bring us back to God.
Francis BaconDiscretion of speech is more than eloquence, and to speak agreeably to him with whom we deal is more than to speak in good words, or in good order.
Francis BaconWe are much beholden to Machiavel and others, that write what men do, and not what they ought to do.
Francis BaconPeople usually think according to their inclinations, speak according to their learning and ingrained opinions, but generally act according to custom.
Francis BaconFashion is only the attempt to realize art in living forms and social intercourse.
Francis BaconAnger makes dull men witty, but it keeps them poor.
Francis BaconProsperity is the blessing of the Old Testament; adversity is the blessing of the New.
Francis BaconThe great end of life is not knowledge but action.
Francis BaconStudies serve for delight, for ornaments, and for ability.
Francis BaconNext to religion, let your care be to promote justice.
Francis BaconThey are ill discoverers that think there is no land, when they can see nothing but sea.
Francis BaconFame is like a river, that beareth up things light and swollen, and drowns things weighty and solid.
Francis BaconThe momentous thing in human life is the art of winning the soul to good or evil.
Francis BaconIt is a true rule that love is ever rewarded, either with the reciproque or with an inward and secret contempt.
Francis BaconYoung people are fitter to invent than to judge; fitter for execution than for counsel; and more fit for new projects than for settled business.
Francis BaconI had rather believe all the Fables in the Legend, and the Talmud, and the Alcoran, than that this universal frame is without a Mind.
Francis BaconLies are sufficient to breed opinion, and opinion brings on substance.
Francis BaconSome books are to be tasted, others to be swallowed, and some few to be chewed and digested.
Francis BaconBut men must know, that in this theatre of man’s life it is reserved only for God and angels to be lookers on.
Francis BaconBeauty itself is but the sensible image of the Infinite.
Francis BaconWhat is truth? said jesting Pilate; and would not stay for an answer.
Francis BaconThe way of fortune is like the milkyway in the sky; which is a number of small stars, not seen asunder, but giving light together: so it is a number of little and scarce discerned virtues, or rather faculties and customs, that make men fortunate.
Francis BaconRead not to contradict and confute, nor to believe and take for granted… but to weigh and consider.
Francis BaconBy indignities men come to dignities.
Francis BaconA man must make his opportunity, as oft as find it.
Francis BaconThe genius, wit, and the spirit of a nation are discovered by their proverbs.
Francis BaconWrite down the thoughts of the moment. Those that come unsought for are commonly the most valuable.
Francis BaconThis is certain, that a man that studieth revenge keeps his wounds green, which otherwise would heal and do well.
Francis BaconHe that hath knowledge spareth his words.
Francis BaconWhen a man laughs at his troubles he loses a great many friends. They never forgive the loss of their prerogative.
Francis BaconChoose the life that is most useful, and habit will make it the most agreeable.
Francis BaconNatural 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 BaconThe desire of excessive power caused the angels to fall; the desire of knowledge caused men to fall.
Francis BaconNo body can be healthful without exercise, neither natural body nor politic, and certainly, to a kingdom or estate, a just and honourable war is the true exercise.
Francis BaconPeople have discovered that they can fool the devil; but they can’t fool the neighbors.
Francis BaconAs the births of living creatures are at first ill-shapen, so are all innovations, which are the births of time.
Francis BaconGood fame is like fire; when you have kindled you may easily preserve it; but if you extinguish it, you will not easily kindle it again.
Francis BaconIt is as hard and severe a thing to be a true politician as to be truly moral.
Francis BaconPictures and shapes are but secondary objects and please or displease only in the memory.
Francis BaconFortune is like the market, where, many times, if you can stay a little, the price will fall.
Francis BaconTruth is a good dog; but always beware of barking too close to the heels of an error, lest you get your brains kicked out.
Francis BaconRiches are a good hand maiden, but a poor mistress.
Francis BaconVirtue is like a rich stone, best plain set.
Francis BaconIt is natural to die as to be born.
Francis BaconThey that will not apply new remedies must expect new evils.
Francis BaconHe that will not apply new remedies must expect new evils; for time is the greatest innovator.
Francis BaconGod has placed no limits to the exercise of the intellect he has given us, on this side of the grave.
Francis BaconFriendship increases in visiting friends, but in visiting them seldom.
Francis BaconAcorns were good until bread was found.
Francis Bacon