bacon essay of studies pdf

The Works of Francis Bacon/Volume 1/Essays/Of Studies

L. OF STUDIES.

Studies serve for delight, for ornament and for ability. Their chief use for delight, is in privateness and retiring; for ornament, is in discourse; and for ability, is in the judgment and disposition of business; for expert men can execute, and perhaps judge of particulars, one by one: but the general counsels, and the plots and marshalling of affairs come best from those that are learned. To spend too much time in studies, is sloth; to use them too much for ornament, is affectation; to make judgment wholly by their rules, is the humour of a scholar: they perfect nature, and are perfected by experience: for 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. Crafty men contemn studies, simple men admire them, and wise men use them; for they teach not their own use; but that is a wisdom without them, and above them, won by observation. Read not to contradict and confute, nor to believe and take for granted, nor to find talk and discourse, but to weigh and consider. Some books are to be tasted, others to be swallowed, and some few to be chewed and digested; that is, some books are to be read only in parts; others to be read, but not curiously; and some few to be read wholly, and with diligence and attention. Some books also may be read by deputy, and extracts made of them by others; but that would be only in the less important arguments, and the meaner sort of books; else distilled books are, like common distilled waters, flashy things. Reading maketh a full man; conference a ready man; and writing an exact man; and, therefore, if a man write little, he had need have a great memory; if he confer little, he had need have a present wit: and if he read little, he had need have much cunning, to seem to know that he doth not. Histories make men wise; poets witty; the mathematics subtile; natural philosophy deep; moral, grave; logic and rhetoric, able to contend "Abeunt studia in mores;" nay, there is no stond or impediment in the wit, but may be wrought out by fit studies: like as diseases of the body may have appropriate exercises; bowling is good for the stone and reins, shooting for the lungs and breast, gentle walking for the stomach, riding for the head, and the like; so, if a man's wit be wandering, let him study the mathematics; for in demonstrations, if his wit be called away never so little, he must begin again; if his wit be no apt to distinguish or find differences, let him study the schoolmen, for they are "Cymini sectores;" if he be not apt to beat over matters, and to call upon one thing to prove and illustrate another, let him study the lawyer's cases: so every defect of the mind may have a special receipt.

This work was published before January 1, 1929, and is in the public domain worldwide because the author died at least 100 years ago.

Public domain Public domain false false

• Headers applying DefaultSort key

Navigation menu

INDEX OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG WORKS OF FRANCIS BACON

Compiled by david widger.

Click on the ## before many of the titles to view a linked table of contents for that volume.

Click on the title itself to open the original online file., tables of contents of volumes, the essays or counsels, civil and moral,, of francis ld. verulam viscount st. albans, francis bacon, bacon's  essays and wisdom  of  the ancients, appendix to essays., the wisdom of the ancients; a series of mythological fables., novum organum, by lord bacon, edited by joseph devey, bacon is shake-speare, by sir edwin durning-lawrence, promus of fourmes and elegancyes by francis bacon, collated by f.b. bickley, and f.a. herbert, bacon is shakespeare., promus of fourmes and elegancyes by francis bacon., valerius terminus: of the interpretation of nature, by francis bacon.

(92) 336 3216666

[email protected]

Here’s a brief but on-point “Of Studies Summary and Analysis” for you from LitPriest.

Of Studies by Francis Bacon Summary

“Studies serve for delight, ornament, and for ability”.

Francis Bacon gives account of three chief uses of studies. The first use is that they serve for delight. This delight may come in solitude or in leisure after retirement from active life. Secondly, they serve for ornament in communication, conversation and discourse. A person who is well read can talk more attractively than an uneducated person. The third use of studies is they help in the judgement, and disposition of business.

An expert man can judge matters one by one when they come face by face to him and he executes them according to his experience. However, this is not the case with an educated man. He can give counsels at any situation according to his knowledge and thus, learned men are best at marshalling of affairs.

Studies, however, have their limitations. If too much time is spent at studies it nothing more than sloth. If they are used excessively in conversation, they show exaggeration and posing of a person. And if a scholar makes each and every judgement of his life with the help of his knowledge, it is just foolish and humorous behavior of the scholar.

Studies perfect nature. Furthermore, they are perfected by experience. Bacon compares natural abilities of a man with a natural tree that needs proyning that comes by study. Studies have a vast scope, it is icing on the cake if experience is also added with them.

Bacon says,

“Crafty men contemn studies, simple men admire them, and wise men use them”.

The men who are hard workers or primitive men hate or contemn studies. However, the men who have simple wits admire them. Moreover, the men who are wise use them practically. Studies do not teach their own use. It is the wisdom of a person that teaches him their usage. Bacon is of the view that a man should not read to contradict and confute others; he should not believe and rely wholly on words; nor to find a point of discussion in conversation; but he should read to weigh them their value and use them. The writer further supports this argument in the following statement,

“Some books are to be tasted, others to be swallowed, and some few to be chewed and digested”.

There are some books that are to be read only in parts because they are useful for a person only at some places. It is not worthy to read them word by word. On contrary, there are some books that are to be read not with curiosity; and some are to be read completely with attention and diligence because they require the full attention of the reader. Moreover, this category of books has treasures hidden in them that can be found only by reader’s diligence. There is another category ‘like common distilled waters’ i.e ‘distilled books’, these books are extracts made from other books and compiled in another book. These are the meaner sort of books.

Bacon says a million dollars verses,

“Reading maketh a full man; conference a ready man; and writing an exact man”.

It is reading that adds to the knowledge of a man and makes him complete in a sense of his wit. Undoubtedly, it is conversation with others that makes a man ready for any sort of step to be taken practically on behalf of his knowledge. Furthermore, it is the skill of comprehensive or innovative writing that makes a full man because man is created to do wonders, make innovations and generate new ideas.

Moreover, the writer describes some facts about studies. He says if a man writes little than he needs to have a great memory to remember all the learned things. If a man interacts little he needs to have a present and sharp wit; and if a man read little, he should be cunning to know what he does not.

Bacon impresses reader through his comprehensive and great sayings. He says,

“Histories make men wise; pots witty; the mathematics subtile; natural philosophy deep; moral grave; logic and rhetoric able to contend”.

The about stated couple of lines contains an ocean of meaning in it. Bacon says that it is history of ancients that makes new generations wise and witty. These are rules and laws stated by the ancients that make mathematics subtile in its nature. It is because of histories that philosophy has deeper meanings and logic and rhetoric are able to defend through arguments.

Bacon is of the view that any impediment or stond in the wit can be wrought out by fit studies. If a person considers oneself dull, he can make him better through studies. Clearly, ‘bowling is good for the stone and reins; shooting for the lungs and breast; gentle walking for the stomach; riding for the head’, similarly, studies also have a physical role in mortals’ life. If a man’s wit is unable to focus at a point and it keeps wandering, let him study mathematics so that he may learn to demonstrate rationally. If his wit is unable to find differences let him study the schoolmen. If a man is not able to call up one thing to prove and illustrate another, he should study the lawyers’ cases.

Bacon encloses the essay by saying,

“So every defect of the mind may have a special receipt”.

Of Studies Frequently Asked Questions

What are the views of francis bacon regarding studies in his essay “of studies”.

Bacon’s view regarding studies is that it “serve for Delight, for Ornament, and for Ability”. Here Delight refers to the personal and private education, similarly, Ornament refers to the conversation among people that Bacon tags as Discourse. Whereas, studies for Ability tips and individual for the better interpretation of trade and commercial pursuit. According to Bacon, the worldly experience can lead men to carry out plans and interpret particular circumstances, however, the study makes men to better recognize the various dogmatic matters and how to act in various circumstances realizing its severity i.e. rationalizing of affairs.

Bacon also encourages studies and warns the readers that sometimes too much studying may lead to the sluggishness; moreover, the excessive and irrelevant use of knowledge by men in conversation indicates the showing off of knowledge; likewise, if one only takes guidance from studies disregard of practical experiences, he only becomes a scholar. Bacon argues that the only way to use studies appropriately is to modernize it i.e. studies are only effective if it is influenced by experience as this will enhance the natural abilities of a man; however, studies without the influence of experience may lead to a great misperception in communication with the world around.

Bacon illustrates that corrupt men denounce education; imprudent men approve education; however the wise men utilize education according to the command of the real-world. He also warns the educated men not to indulge himself in an unnecessarily argument with people, likewise, educated men must not suppose that education can always cause the correct conduct or interpretation; moreover, educated men should not use purely to emphasize on their conversation with others. Rather, Bacon illustrates, some books must only be read, some must be ignored completely, while few books must be “Chewed and digested”, i.e. should be understood and interpreted completely. Furthermore, he advises that some books are read by other and they take notes out of it, and these notes are good enough substitute of a book to be read, however, this category mustn’t include the books with sublime subject matters.

Bacon, by returning to the previous argument, addresses the consequences of reading, writing, and conversation by illustrating the reading crafts an all-rounder man; conversation makes a man sharp and fast thinker; while writing makes a man rational. Furthermore, Bacon says that if an individual doesn’t write must, he must have a good memory to compensate for his writing; similarly, if he doesn’t have a good conversation, he should compensate it with a wit; and an individual has to pretend that he knows more than he does in order to fake his reading that he never does much.

Bacon, by pointing out the various subject, argues that the studying history makes men wise; mathematics makes them intellectually sharp, while logic and rhetoric skilled men in arguments. Moreover, thinking is not problematic if it cannot be established by the proper study. Every mind disorder has a treatment just like every physical illness. For instance, a man should study law, if he cannot utilizes the proofs to demonstrate the certainty of unrelated facts. By studying other forms, any defect in the brain can be cured.

Explain the line “Some books are to be tasted, others to be swallowed, and some few to be chewed and digested” in reference to the context of Bacon’s essay “Of Studies”?

The notion with which Bacon opens his essay “Studies serve for delight, for ornament, and for ability” parallels the line quoted in the question. The simplest interpretation of the statement implies that the studies which delight are intended for personal observation, pleasure, and understanding; the studies which are for ornament are intended to improve discourse, communication, and inscription; those that are intended for ability are meant for the “argument and judgment of business”. However, one may also assume that one by reading, for amusement or pleasure, can also grasp a thoughtful understanding that could be utilized in serious learning.

Hence, among the books that delight are tend to be the ones that are only to be tasted. As one doesn’t surely take in the philosophical knowledge, so one simple tastes it. The books that contain some wisdom and deep thoughts need to be swallowed. However, the books that contain a real sociological, philosophical, or psychological perception, and that necessarily becomes a part of one’s mental being, are to be chewed and digested. Nutrients are absorbed when one chew and digest the food and these nutrients become a part of the body. Similarly, the books that are useful, truthful, and worthier, Bacon says, must be chewed and digested. However, if they lack truth and wisdom, they must only be tasted.

What are the three main benefits of studies did Bacon mention in his essay Of Studies? And what are dangers associated with each benefit?

Bacon’s essays contain practical, religious, and moral subjects that, according to him, would direct a man to a valuable and successful life in both business and politics. Most of his essay deals with the manners, behavior, and conduct of a man and guides him how should one act and to adopt moderation in everything. In simple words, one should neither exceed nor fall short of anything as it can lead to an unstable life, with devastating results.

Bacon, in the essay Of Studies, illustrates both the benefits and the drawbacks of studying and reading books. 1st of all he argues that “studies serve for Delight, for Ornament, and for Ability. Delight is intended for private and personal affairs; Ornament for communication; the ability for logical judgment and outlook for the business.

He argues that one study for delight as it allows an individual to be contented in himself. In short, studies make a man relax when he is away from social life. Studies also make one skillful to analyze and discuss a variety of topics in a prudent way and allow him to convince other with strong facts and arguments. Moreover, in business life that also includes politics, one’s judgmental qualities increases by thorough study.

Bacon, however, simultaneously discuss the pitfall of excessive studying, more importantly, if one is studying with wrong intentions. He says that spending time only on studying makes man idle; moreover, studying for ornament is showing-off; and a scholar seems to be silly if he makes his judgment solely by rules.

Bacon depicts his practical nature in the essay when he argues that a man should have concerns for both public and private business. He mustn’t only spend his time in studying as by this he may neglect his business. Similarly, if the purpose of study for a man is only to show-off his articulating skill, then he is embarrassed with affectation. For Bacon, showing-off is not merely a waste of time but also a moral degradation. The last disadvantage of only acquiring bookish knowledge and neglecting real world experience is it may make a person “book smart” but not “street smart”. In short, study without experience is useless.

The main purpose of Bacon’s essay is to guide people in experiences they might come across as they live in the world. He encourages the readers to bring their bookish knowledge in practical use.

Explain Francis Bacon’s perspective in the line “Writing makes an exact man” with reference to the essay “Of Studies”?

This line is extracted from Bacon’s essay “Of Studies”. The whole statement reads “Reading makes a full man; Conference a ready man; and Writing an exact man.” Through this line, Bacon argues that writing makes man perfect. This statement is immediately followed by another statement in which he states that if a man doesn’t write much, he must have a good memory to remember. Inscription aids a person to understand various composite problems as it is inclined to stamp on the mind.

Bacon also links writing with compactness and preciseness. It is well said that if a person is unable to write about a subject clearly, his thinking is about the subject is also vague.

More From Francis Bacon

• Of Adversity
• Of Ambition
• Of Discourse
• Of Followers and Friends
• Of Friendship
• Of Great Place
• Of Marriage and Single Life
• Of Nobility
• Of Parents and Children
• Of Simulation and Dissimulation
• Of Superstition
• Of Goodness and Goodness of Nature

• Classical Essays
• Teaching Portfolio
• Writing Portfolio

Francis Bacon

Studies serve for delight, for ornament, and for ability. Their chief use for delight is in privateness and retiring; for ornament is in discourse; and for ability is in the judgment and disposition of business. For expert men can execute, and perhaps judge of particulars, one by one; but the general counsels, and the plots and marshalling of affairs, come best, from those that are learned. To spend too much time in studies is sloth; to use them too much for ornament, is affectation; to make judgment wholly by their rules, is the humor of a scholar. They perfect nature, and are perfected by experience: for 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. Crafty men condemn studies, simple men admire them, and wise men use them; for they teach not their own use; but that is a wisdom without them, and above them, won by observation.

Read not to contradict and confute; nor to believe and take for granted; nor to find talk and discourse; but to weigh and consider. Some books are to be tasted, others to be swallowed, and some few to be chewed and digested; that is, some books are to be read only in parts; others to be read, but not curiously; and some few to be read wholly, and with diligence and attention. Some books also may be read by deputy, and extracts made of them by others; but that would be only in the less important arguments, and the meaner sort of books, else distilled books are like common distilled waters, flashy things. Reading maketh a full man; conference a ready man; and writing an exact man. And therefore, if a man write little, he had need have a great memory; if he confer little, he had need have a present wit: and if he read little, he had need have much cunning, to seem to know, that he doth not. Histories make men wise; poets witty; the mathematics subtile; natural philosophy deep; moral grave; logic and rhetoric able to contend.

Abeunt studia in mores . [“practices zealously pursued pass into habits.”—Merriam-Webster definition]

Nay, there is no ston[e] or impediment in the wit, but may be wrought out by fit studies; like as diseases of the body, may have appropriate exercises. Bowling is good for the stone and reins; shooting for the lungs and breast; gentle walking for the stomach; riding for the head; and the like. So if a man’s wit be wandering, let him study the mathematics; for in demonstrations, if his wit be called away never so little, he must begin again. If his wit be not apt to distinguish or find differences, let him study the Schoolmen; for they are cymini sectores . If he be not apt to beat over matters, and to call up one thing to prove and illustrate another, let him study the lawyers’ cases. So every defect of the mind, may have a special receipt.

MLA Citation

Bacon, Francis. “Of studies.” 1601. Quotidiana. Ed. Patrick Madden. 18 Jan 2007. 11 May 2024 <http://essays.quotidiana.org/bacon/studies/>.

Patrick Madden's New Book

Join us on facebook, related essays, “all things have their season”.

Michel de Montaigne

Our studies and desires should sometime be sensible of age; yet we have one foot in the grave and still our appetites and pursuits spring every day anew within us.

“On the rabid versus the harmless scholar”

Louise Imogen Guiney

The throes of education are as degrading and demoralizing as a hanging.

“The student life”

William Osler

The hardest conviction to get into the mind of a beginner is that the education upon which he is engaged is not a college course...but a life course, for which the work of a few years under teachers is but a preparation.

“Advertisement to the reader”

Margaret Cavendish

If any take delight to read them [my books], I will not thank them for it: for if anything please them, they are to thank me for so much pleasure.

“That to study philosophy is to learn to die”

Let us disarm him of his novelty and strangeness, let us converse and be familiar with him, and have nothing so frequent in our thoughts as death.

Quotidiana is an online anthology of "classical" essays, from antiquity to the early twentieth century. All essays and images are in the public domain. Commentaries are copyrighted, but may be used with proper attribution. Special thanks to the BYU College of Humanities and English Department for funding, and to Joey Franklin and Lara Burton , for tireless research assisting.

AWP 2007: Teaching the Classical Essay

'Of Studies' by Francis Bacon

Stock Montage / Getty Images

• An Introduction to Punctuation
• Ph.D., Rhetoric and English, University of Georgia
• M.A., Modern English and American Literature, University of Leicester
• B.A., English, State University of New York

Francis Bacon, the first major English essayist , comments forcefully in Of Studies on the value of reading, writing, and learning.

Notice Bacon's reliance on parallel structures (in particular, tricolons ) throughout this concise, aphoristic  essay. Then, compare the essay to Samuel Johnson 's treatment of the same theme more than a century later in On Studies .

The Life of Francis Bacon

Francis Bacon is considered a Renaissance man. He worked as a lawyer and scientist throughout his life (1561-1626.)

Bacon's most valuable work surrounded philosophical and Aristotelian concepts that supported the scientific method. Bacon served as an attorney general as well as lord chancellor of England and received his education from several universities including Trinity College and the University of Cambridge.

Bacon wrote over 50 essays beginning with "Of" in the title and following the concept, such as Of Truth , Of Atheism and Of Discourse .

Bacon Facts

Bacon's uncle was the lord keeper for Queen Elizabeth I. He helped symbolize the approvals for key documents. Additionally:

• Bacon is known as the father of the scientific method which was influenced by his own Baconian method based on reason and observation.
• There are rumors that Bacon was mostly attracted to men, due to his late marriage in life, among other ​theories.

Interpretations of 'Of Studies'

Bacon's essay expresses several comments in Of Studies that can be interpreted as the following:

• Studying is helpful for better understanding and provides a knowledge that develops experience, as well as a character that grows.
• Reading provides delight and fun, ornament and showing off, and the ability for success.
• Bacon expanded upon different fields of study depending on one's goal; for example, to master clarity with language, study poetry.

'Of Studies' Excerpt

"Studies serve for delight, for ornament, and for ability. Their chief use for delight is in privateness and retiring; for ornament, is in discourse; and for ability, is in the judgment and disposition of business. For expert men can execute, and perhaps judge of particulars, one by one; but the general counsels, and the plots and marshalling of affairs, come best from those that are learned. To spend too much time in studies is sloth; to use them too much for ornament, is affectation; to make judgment wholly by their rules, is the humor of a scholar. They perfect nature, and are perfected by experience: for 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. Crafty men condemn studies, simple men admire them, and wise men use them; for they teach not their own use; but that is a wisdom without them, and above them, won by observation. Read not to contradict and confute; nor to believe and take for granted; nor to find talk and discourse; but to weigh and consider. Some books are to be tasted, others to be swallowed, and some few to be chewed and digested; that is, some books are to be read only in parts; others to be read, but not curiously; and some few to be read wholly, and with diligence and attention. Some books also may be read by deputy, and extracts made of them by others; but that would be only in the less important arguments, and the meaner sort of books, else distilled books are like common distilled waters, flashy things. Reading maketh a full man; conference a ready man; and writing an exact man. And therefore, if a man write little, he had need have a great memory; if he confer little, he had need have a present wit: and if he read little, he had need have much cunning, to seem to know that he doth not. Histories make men wise; poets witty; the mathematics subtle; natural philosophy deep; moral grave; logic and rhetoric able to contend. Abeunt studia in mores [Studies pass into and influence manners]. Nay, there is no stone or impediment in the wit but may be wrought out by fit studies; like as diseases of the body may have appropriate exercises. Bowling is good for the stone and reins; shooting for the lungs and breast; gentle walking for the stomach; riding for the head; and the like. So if a man’s wit be wandering, let him study the mathematics; for in demonstrations, if his wit be called away never so little, he must begin again. If his wit be not apt to distinguish or find differences, let him study the Schoolmen; for they are cymini sectores [splitters of hairs]. If he be not apt to beat over matters, and to call up one thing to prove and illustrate another, let him study the lawyers’ cases. So every defect of the mind may have a special receipt."

Bacon published three editions of his essays (in 1597, 1612, and 1625) and the last two were marked by the addition of more essays. In many cases, they became expanded works from earlier editions. This is the best-known version of the essay Of Studies , taken from the 1625 edition of  Essays or Counsels, Civil and Moral.

Version From the First Edition (1597)

"Studies serve for pastimes, for ornaments, for abilities; their chief use for pastimes is in privateness and retiring; for ornaments in discourse; and for ability in judgment; for expert men can execute, but learned men are more fit to judge and censure. To spend too much time in them is sloth; to use them too much for ornament is affectation; to make judgment wholly by their rules is the humor of a scholar; they perfect nature, and are themselves perfected by experience; crafty men contemn them, wise men use them, simple men admire them; for they teach not their use, but that there is a wisdom without them and above them won by observation. Read not to contradict nor to believe, but to weigh and consider. Some books are to be tasted, others to be swallowed, and some few to be chewed and digested: that is, some are to be read only in parts, others to be read but curiously, and some few to be read wholly with diligence and attention. Reading maketh a full man, conference a ready, and writing an exact man; therefore, if a man write little, he had need of a great memory; if he confer little, he had need of a present wit; and if he read little, he had need have much cunning to seem to know that he doth not know. Histories make wise men; poets witty; the mathematics subtle; natural philosophy deep; moral grave; logic and rhetoric able to contend."

• Thinking About Reading
• Rhetoric: Definitions and Observations
• Quotes About Time
• Of Discourse by Francis Bacon
• Of Truth, by Francis Bacon
• Of Travel by Francis Bacon
• Francis Bacon on Youth and Age
• Francis Bacon: "Of Parents and Children"
• Definition and Examples of Formal Essays
• On Rhetoric, or the Art of Eloquence, by Francis Bacon
• On Laziness by Christopher Morley
• What is a Familiar Essay in Composition?
• What Are the Different Types and Characteristics of Essays?
• style (rhetoric and composition)
• 5 Themes in the Works of John Ruskin
• What Is Enlightenment Rhetoric?

Of Studies by Francis Bacon

Fresh Reads

Studies serve for delight, for ornament, and for ability. Their chief use for delight is in privateness and retiring; for ornament, is in discourse; and for ability, is in the judgment and disposition of business. For expert men can execute, and perhaps judge of particulars, one by one; but the general counsels, and the plots and marshalling of affairs, come best from those that are learned. To spend too much time in studies is sloth; to use them too much for ornament, is affectation; to make judgment wholly by their rules, is the humor of a scholar.

They perfect nature, and are perfected by experience: for 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. Crafty men condemn studies, simple men admire them, and wise men use them; for they teach not their own use; but that is a wisdom without them, and above them, won by observation.

Read not to contradict and confute; nor to believe and take for granted; nor to find talk and discourse; but to weigh and consider. Some books are to be tasted, others to be swallowed, and some few to be chewed and digested; that is, some books are to be read only in parts; others to be read, but not curiously; and some few to be read wholly, and with diligence and attention. Some books also may be read by deputy, and extracts made of them by others; but that would be only in the less important arguments, and the meaner sort of books, else distilled books are like common distilled waters, flashy things.

Reading maketh a full man; conference a ready man; and writing an exact man. And therefore, if a man write little, he had need have a great memory; if he confer little, he had need have a present wit: and if he read little, he had need have much cunning, to seem to know that he doth not.

Histories make men wise; poets witty; the mathematics subtle; natural philosophy deep; moral grave; logic and rhetoric able to contend. Abeunt studia in mores [Studies pass into and influence manners]. Nay, there is no stand or impediment in the wit but may be wrought out by fit studies; like as diseases of the body may have appropriate exercises. Bowling is good for the stone and reins; shooting for the lungs and breast; gentle walking for the stomach; riding for the head; and the like. So if a man’s wit be wandering, let him study the mathematics; for in demonstrations, if his wit be called away never so little, he must begin again. If his wit be not apt to distinguish or find differences, let him study the Schoolmen; for they are cymini sectores [splitters of hairs].

If he be not apt to beat over matters, and to call up one thing to prove and illustrate another, let him study the lawyers’ cases. So every defect of the mind may have a special receipt.

Related posts:

• The Poetic Principle by Edgar Allan Poe
• On Being in the Blues by Jerome K. Jerome
• On a Certain Condescension in Foreigners by James Russell Lowell
• The Spike by George Orwell

Why I Write by George Orwell

What is fascism by george orwell, the shoemaker and the devil by anton chekhov.

Try aiPDF , our new AI assistant for students and researchers

ASK LITERATURE

THROWING LIGHT ON LITERATURE

Home / Prose / Of Studies by Sir Francis Bacon | Complete Summary and Analysis

Of Studies by Sir Francis Bacon | Complete Summary and Analysis

“Of Studies” is one of the most quoted essays of Sir Francis Bacon. He has analyzed the importance of studies; therefore, in this essay, he convinces his readers to know its vitality. He does not only talk about bookish knowledge but also demonstrates the importance of experience; without experience, the studies cannot help a person, means Sir Francis Bacon. Moreover, in his eyes, studies and education are two separate things. However, he agrees that education is the name of studying books and experiences of life. He answers some common questions that arise in every common mind. For instance, he answers why we should read books; what are the impacts of studies in one’s life; why study without experience is useless; and many other such like questions.

He elaborates each assertion through either reference or example. Style of the author is simple but his arguments are much effective. Further, he uses concise sentences, similes , and Latin phrases to strengthen his stance.

Three Types of studies in the Eyes of Sir Francis Bacon:

From the very beginning of the essay, Sir Francis Bacon divides studies into three categories; in fact, these three types are benefits of studies. Studies serve three purposes, says Sir Francis Bacon, “delight”, “ornament” and “ability”. In Bacon’s times, the drama was banned; drama may have a moral purpose but it is certainly a source of entertainment. It was forbidden in that era; therefore, people had no other option except to rely upon books; thus, books replaced stage. From that point of view, if we think, then books are the source of entertainment. It may be the reason that Bacon has used the word “delight”. From modern views, there are still people in the world, who find delight in books instead of movies and plays.

However, in next lines, he has explained the word “delight” while saying, “their chief use for delight, is in privateness and retiring”. Hence, only words are different but the purpose is same i.e. entertainment.

The second purpose that studies serve is “ornaments”. A person, after learning from books, can present himself in a good manner. Studies also help a person learn etiquettes. His societal impression is improved and he becomes wise in the eyes of people. However, Bacon has used only one word to explain, “ornament” i.e. “discourse”. Thereby, studies increase the speaking power of a person but the word “discourse” also needs explanation. It has many meanings; discourse has different types; romantic, professional, religious, motivational, debate etc. Nevertheless, considering in view the worldly approach of the author, he may have used it as a professional speaking power or perhaps, he is talking about impressive discourse in every field of life whether it is profession, religion or romance.

Elaboration of the third purpose of studies, according to Sir Francis Bacon is “judgment and disposition of business”. It is somewhat professional. Studies can help a person in dealing with business matters. Thereby, studies support a person in professional life. Sir Francis Bacon has also used the word “judgment” to infer that studies enhance mental eyesight of a person. His vision becomes strong and he takes quick as well as accurate decisions in business matters.

Experience is the Key Factor:

All three purposes are useless without experience, says Bacon. Too much study for “delight” makes a person lazy; ornamentation makes him showcase; similarly, cramming bundle of rules from books does not increase his ability nor does it help him enhancing his thinking capacity. Everyone has natural abilities and studies make them perfect but along with studies, the experience is also required to gain perfection. It actually improves the mentality of a person. In order to elaborate it further, Bacon uses similes , which are worth mentioning:-

“the natural abilities are like natural plants, that need proyning by study; and studies themselves do give forth directions too much at large, except they be bounded in by experience.” Sir Francis Bacon

Hence, studies show a person thousands of paths to walk but experience helps choosing the right one. Additionally, different types of men see studies differently; some people do not give studies any value; some appreciate them; but wise are those, who perfectly use them.

Why and What Kind of Books should We Study?

After describing the importance of study, Francis Bacon gives his own opinions, “read….to weigh and consider”. A person should not read books to win over a debate or to oppose arguments of others; nor should he read to believe on each and everything written in the book; rather he should study books to know the difference between right and wrong. Moreover, not every book is worth reading. He divides books, too, into three categories; “tasted”, “swallowed”, and “chewed and digested”. “Tasted” books are those, which require no special attention. A reader just needs to go through them; books that come in the category of “swallowed” need a little attention. Category, “Chewed and digested” is self-explanatory. These kinds of books need the full concentration of the readers. Each word and every line should be chewed completely and then digested.

Some Subjects and Their Purposes:

If a person has a habit of reading books then Bacon guarantees improvement in his temperament. If he is used to exchanging dialogues then his wit is going to be enhanced. Above all, if he reads books and then writes down every important suggestion or advice then this method will definitely increase his intellectuality. Francis Bacon, at the end of the essay, creates a list of different subjects and sorts them by their benefits. Here is the list of books and their benefits:-

• History increases wisdom.
• Poetry enhances imagination.
• Mathematics makes a person subtle.
• Philosophy deepens thinking.
• Logic and rhetoric help to contend.

Thus, a person needs to study the relevant subject as per his choice or requirement. If he wants wisdom, history can help him. If he wants imaginative powers, his concern should be poetry. Similarly, mathematics, philosophy, and logic serve their specific purposes. In Bacon’s eyes, a person can improve himself as much as he can; he just needs to focus. He actually wants to say that, “reading is to the mind what exercise is to the body”. With body, the mind also needs exercise; therefore, every person needs to do an exercise of the mind; he can do it by studying books.

Conclusion of “Of Studies” by Sir Francis Bacon: 

The whole essay proves the intellectuality of Sir Francis Bacon. It is full of wisdom. Every line, written by the author, is philosophically rich. His philosophy is definitely praiseworthy. Moreover, he is called the father of English prose not only because of his deep philosophy but also because of his writing style. He uses exact words to summarize his viewpoint. He tries to demonstrate his thinking in concise words. This essay is well knitted. There is no denying the fact that “Of Studies” is the pure creation of Sir Francis Bacon . In short, this essay is enough to regard him as the father of English prose.

Watch youtube video

Of Studies by Francis Bacon

STUDIES serve for delight, for ornament, and for ability. Their chief use for delight is in privateness and retiring; for ornament, is in discourse; and for ability, is in the judgment and disposition of business. For expert men can execute, and perhaps judge of particulars, one by one; but the general counsels, and the plots and marshalling of affairs, come best from those that are learned. To spend too much time in studies is sloth; to use them too much for ornament, is affectation; to make judgment wholly by their rules, is the humor of a scholar. They perfect nature, and are perfected by experience: for natural abilities are like natural plants, that need proyning, 1 by study; and studies themselves do give forth directions too much at large, except they be bounded in by experience. Crafty men contemn studies, simple men admire them, and wise men use them; for they teach not their own use; but that is a wisdom without them, and above them, won by observation. Read not to contradict and confute; nor to believe and take for granted; nor to find talk and discourse; but to weigh and consider. Some books are to be tasted, others to be swallowed, and some few to be chewed and digested; that is, some books are to be read only in parts; others to be read, but not curiously; and some few to be read wholly, and with diligence and attention. Some books also may be read by deputy, and extracts made of them by others; but that would be only in the less important arguments, and the meaner sort of books, else distilled books are like common distilled waters, flashy 2 things. Reading maketh a full man; conference a ready man; and writing an exact man. And therefore, if a man write little, he had need have a great memory; if he confer little, he had need have a present wit: and if he read little, he had need have much cunning, to seem to know that he doth not. Histories make men wise; poets witty; the mathematics subtile; natural philosophy deep; moral grave; logic and rhetoric able to contend. Abeunt studia in mores [Studies pass into and influence manners]. Nay, there is no stond or impediment in the wit but may be wrought out by fit studies; like as diseases of the body may have appropriate exercises. Bowling is good for the stone and reins; 3 shooting for the lungs and breast; gentle walking for the stomach; riding for the head; and the like. So if a man’s wit be wandering, let him study the mathematics; for in demonstrations, if his wit be called away never so little, he must begin again. If his wit be not apt to distinguish or find differences, let him study the Schoolmen; for they are cymini sectores [splitters of hairs]. If he be not apt to beat over matters, and to call up one thing to prove and illustrate another, let him study the lawyers’ cases. So every defect of the mind may have a special receipt.

More from Francis Bacon :

• Of Vicissitude of Things
• Of Judicature
• Of Honor and Reputation
• Of Vain-glory

Academia.edu no longer supports Internet Explorer.

To browse Academia.edu and the wider internet faster and more securely, please take a few seconds to  upgrade your browser .

Enter the email address you signed up with and we'll email you a reset link.

• We're Hiring!
• Help Center

UNDERSTANDING FRANCIS BACON'S 'OF STUDIES'

Explanation of Francis Bacon's 'Of Studies'

Related Papers

Doina-Cristina Rusu

The general aim of Francis Bacon's philosophy was the reformation of human knowledge, with the intent to put it into practice and use it for the benefit of humankind. He criticized Aristotelian-Scholastic philosophy on the grounds that its method was unable to bring about progress. Bacon's method of induction was the antidote to the idleness of previous philosophies, and it had a twofold function. First, it was supposed to eradicate the errors and idols from human mind, so that this could become like a polished mirror in which the nature could reflect itself, leading to the cultivation of virtues and elimination of vices. Second , it was supposed to discover the inner structure of matter and its activity. This was done by gradual abstraction and, most important , with the help of experiments. Bacon's emphasis on experience and the use of experiments as the right tools to be employed in the study of nature was an idea that influenced future generations of philosophers, and it is considered a building stone in the establishment of the societies of knowledge founded in the second half of the seventeenth century. Bacon contended that his method of induction should be employed beyond the study of nature into other disciplines, such as ethics. This enterprise, he believed, would bring about not only knowledge, but also welfare and happiness.

Vladimir Moss

An Account of the Nature of the Conflict between Science and Religion in the Seventeenth Century

Dana Jalobeanu

British journal for the history of philosophy

Silvia Manzo

The aim of this article is to examine how Bacon proposed to replace the older patterns of authority and freedom in science. I hope that this textual exegesis will contribute to the reflection on freedom and power in modernity. In doing this I have in mind three important considerations. First, Bacon deals with authority and freedom in different fields: theology, law, politics and science. Second, the psychological conditions of scientists are relevant in order to examine the extent of the scientific freedom. Third, Bacon thought of science as part of a political network. Sections I and II expose Bacon’s approach to authority in theology, law and politics by contrasting his ideas on authority and science. Section III deals with the psychological aspects of the freedom of the scientist. Sections IV and V are concerned with authority in science considered both as an institution of the state and as the inquisition of nature.

Perspectives on Science

This article is an investigation into the rationale and the structure of order of Francis Bacon's natural and experimental histories. My aim is to show that these natural histories are mainly composed of experimental series, ie methodologically organized recordings of experimental inquiries. Bacon's experimental series have a double purpose: heuristic and pedagogical. They direct and encode the “good” experimental practices, while also teaching the neophyte how to become a Baconian experimenter.

Nikolaus Egel

Canadian Journal of Political Science

Heidi Studer

RELATED PAPERS

sai kishore anantaraju

International Journal of Public Administration in the Digital Age

Muta Tiamiyu

International Journal of Economics and Finance

Jamel Henchiri

Journal of Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences

Nasrin Khaki

Jurnal Hubungan Internasional

sandra yadira marquez galvis

Link Mining: Models, Algorithms, and Applications

Hossam Sharara

Oral Surgery, Oral Medicine, Oral Pathology and Oral Radiology

Mara Luana Batista Severo

Stephanie Pywell

Journal of Comparative Physiology A

Michael Salmon

FEMS Microbiology Letters

Prabhu D A Y A L Mishra

International Journal of Drug Policy

yuli mulyanti

Asian Journal of Content and Language Integrated Learning (Asian CLIL), Vol 1, pp. 29‒44

Universidad Ciencia y Tecnología

Fabian Chang

Karthik Karthik

Journal of Electroanalytical Chemistry

Johan Deconinck

Prosiding seminar nasional Cendekiawan

Febry Rachmandhany

Thin Solid Films

Alain Billard

Ciencia Latina Revista Científica Multidisciplinar

Ivon Yazmin Masmela Galiano

Organic Letters

Yoshiki Kashiwada

Canadian Journal of Cardiology

Yaariv Khaykin

Eure-revista Latinoamericana De Estudios Urbano Regionales

Noemia Bohn

SAIS Review of International Affairs

Joseph Adedeji

Nihon Reoroji Gakkaishi

eiitii takatori

RELATED TOPICS

•   We're Hiring!
•   Help Center
• Find new research papers in:
• Health Sciences
• Earth Sciences
• Cognitive Science
• Mathematics
• Computer Science
• Academia ©2024