Francis Bacon

England
22 Jan 1561 // 9 Apr 1626
Philosopher / Statesman / Essayist

Quotes

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Therefore if a man look sharply and attentively, he shall see Fortune: for though she be blind, yet she is not invisible
Discretion 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
Men fear Death, as children fear to go in the dark; and as that natural fear in children is increased with tales, so is the other
The greatest trust between man and man is the trust of giving counsel
Houses are built to live in, not to look on; therefore, let use be preferred before uniformity, except where both may be had
Virtue is like a rich stone, best plain set
They that deny a God destroy man's nobility; for certainly man is of kin to the beasts by his body; and, if he be not of kin to God by his spirit, his is a base and ignoble creature
Certainly virtue is like precious odours, most fragrant when they are incensed or crushed
For it is most true that a natural and secret hatred and aversation towards society in any man, hath somewhat of the savage beast
A little philosophy inclineth man's mind to atheism; but depth in philosophy bringeth men's minds about to religion
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On Anger: "For every minute you remain angry, you give up sixty seconds of peace of mind."
Essays
On Destiny: "Our destiny exercises its influence over us even when, as yet, we have not learned its nature: it is our future that lays down the law of our today."
Human, All Too Human
On Friendship: "A crowd is not company; and faces are but a gallery of pictures; and talk but a tinkling cymbal, where there is no love."
Essays