critical analysis of bacon's essay of truth

Of Truth by Francis Bacon Summary & Analysis

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Of Truth Critical Analysis by Sir Francis Bacon along with Summary

The world knows Sir Francis Bacon for his worldly wisdom. He had made an analysis of the world and in “Of Truth”, he guided his readers on how to get success even in critical situations. Alexander Pope called Bacon the meanest kind of person because of his worldly philosophy. Bacon always focuses on worldly benefits and rarely talks about the fruits of eternal life. In “Of Truth”, he speaks in favor of the truth; he also differentiates it from lie and forces us to speak the truth in every situation. He supports his arguments through solid quotations.

Bacon also answers some of the old skeptical people, who were against the truth. He does not exaggerate truth but put reality in front of his readers. A person can only become honest if he speaks the truth. A lie may delight a person but it does not honor him. Let’s see what else he says.

“Of Truth” Summary and Critical Analysis:

Sir Francis Bacon starts his essay while referring the Ancient Roman Governor Pilate, who made the situation critical without doing an analysis of truth. Pilate asked for truth but did not wait for it. If he would have known the truth, he may have not passed the judgment to crucify the Christ. He then talks about skeptical minds, who are not easily convincible. He doubts that Pilate was also skeptical. Definitely, there are people who do not have strong beliefs. Numerous people are there in the world, who change their minds frequently. They consider that fixed beliefs are a sign of mental slavery. Whenever they think or take decisions, they use their free will; they stubbornly ignore every belief. In Greeks, there was a school of philosophers having skeptics. They may have died now but skeptical people are there even today in this world.

Why Do Not People Speak the Truth?

There are many reasons behind not speaking the truth. One of them is that discovery of truth requires efforts and time. Let us do a critical analysis of this truth from real life example. There are many courts in every country; each court has thousands of cases; in every case, either the defendant or the plaintiff is right. Every case has been heard for many years in order to find out who is speaking the truth. Secondly, both the parties (plaintiff and defendant) struggle to prove themselves right. Indeed Sir Francis Bacon is right. Effort and time are required to discover the truth. The second reason, which Bacon provides for not speaking the truth, is that it is hard to digest. When it is discovered people hardly believe it.

How Is The Truth Different from Lie?

Bacon gives a real-life example. He says that if the audience sees a spectacle on the stage in daylight it will look as it is. On the other hand, if the same show is presented with candlelight then it will attract more people; it would definitely give pleasure to the audience. Lie, in the same way, has a beautiful and shiny cover, due to which people like lie instead of truth. However, if the truth were mixed with a lie then it would also give pleasure. Moreover, people have created their own false beliefs, judgments, and opinions. If these things were snatched from them, their condition would become miserable as these things give them hope and strange kind of pleasure.

Critical Analysis of “Of Truth” Shows that Poetry is Harmful?

Truth ends pride:, importance of truth:.

If we deeply do critical analysis “Of Truth” then we realize that Bacon truth has its own significance. Falsehood brings disgrace and truth brings honor. Even those persons, who do not speak truth, know its worth. Furthermore, the truth is required not only in the field of theology and philosophy but also in every field of life. Bacon refers Montaigne, who says that a liar is always brave towards God but coward towards humans. By telling a lie, a liar directly challenges God. He knows that he has to face God on doomsday yet he promotes falsehood. Thus, he is brave enough to get punishment in enteral life.

Conclusion of “Of Truth Critical Analysis”:

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Of Truth by Francis Bacon | Summary, Analysis, Explanations

Of Truth by Francis Bacon

Table of Contents

Of Truth Summary

Man bears always a great curiosity to know what is truth? Bacon here, has given us a conception about truth in his essay which he begins with the reference of Pilate. Pilate, the ancient Roman Governor of Judaca, was however, indifferent in knowing the definition of truth, for he was skeptic. Certainly there are some people who delight in frequent changing their believe and they consider that to remain fixed in a belief is a type of mental captivity which hampers man’s free-will in thoughts as well as in actions. There were some skeptic philosophers in Greece, who supported fickleness in belief. According to their view, whatever a man took to believe was true. Till now, some persons prefer alternation of belief.

It is very difficult and toilsome job to discover truth. But it is discovered that truth imposes upon man’s thought. When a truth is discovered, man cannot change his opinion anymore, because he is bound by truth then. Man has a corrupt, but natural love for lie from the ancient time. The poets tell lies in order to make interesting their compositions and to give pleasure to his readers. The businessmen told lies to gain more commercial profit. But the case of man is much different Men tell lies for the lie’s sake.

Truth is like broad day-light in which the things are seen in their original form and shape. But falsehood is like candle-light where the things lose their original glory and genuinely. Under this faint light, the artificial things show up very magnificent which they are not actually Truth gives greater pleasure when a lie has been added to it. That is why man cannot live without falsehood. If the malpractices like vain opinions, false hopes, wrong Valuations, are taken out of man’s mind, his mind will be full of melancholy and illness. Man has a great love for lie that keeps him happy

An early writer of Church described poetry as the wine of the devils because it gives rise to fancies in the mind and encourages lies Poetry tells lies which are received by the mind and then forgotten and so, it does not hurt us for they do not settle down in the mind. But such harm is done by those lies which sink into the mind and settle down there.

The man who understand truth, realize also the value of it. Truth alone is capable of judging its nature or defining itself. The inquiry of truth is the love-making of it, the knowledge of truth is the presence of it, and the belief of truth is the enjoying of it. These three ideas are taught by truth itself. Truth is the supreme good of human nature.

God has created in his six working days all the creatures. – inanimate as well as animate. The first thing God created was the light and the final thing. He created was the rational faculty which he bestowed upon man. In leisure, God began to illuminate the minds of men by grace of divine truths. First God infused light upon the face of matter or chaos. Then he infused light into the face of man. Even now and always he inspires light into the face of that person whom He gives special favour.

The poet Lucretius’ observation was excellent the greatest pleasure for a man was the realization of truth and not any pleasure of the world is comparable to it. Standing upon the vantage-ground of truth, a man can best see the errors, wanderings, lies, follies and foibles prevailing in the world. The outlook of this man should be replete with pity, not with pride or arrogance. All the reasonings of human beings should be based upon truth

Not only theological and philosophical truth, the truth of everyday social life is much important. When we go to deal with men, we should follow clear and direct way of dealing, because clear-cut and straightforward manner of conduct is the supreme honour of men’s nature. Men generally admix falsehood with truth to gain advantages easily. But the mixture of falsehood debases his humanity and lowers his degree. Falsehood brings man disgrace and odium. Montaigne said rightly that, in telling a lie, man is brave towards God and a coward towards men. It is because man has no courage to tell a lie to his brethren.

The wickedness of falsehood and loss of faith will come under the penalty on the Doomsday when God will appeal to call all human beings for the final judgement. In far-off future, when Christ will come on the second Dooms –day, he shall not find men’s belief in God.

Of Truth Explanations

“What is truth’? said jesting Pilate, and would not stay for an answer.”

It is an eternal query what truth is. Men are pursuit to know truth from the ancient time, but hitherto they cannot find out the definition of truth. They went on investigating from various corner, searched many books, many doctrines, logic, but yet failed to discover truth. At last they cling to an idea that truth cannot be discovered it is unattainable. Actually, men have undergone simply a cursory quest for truth. It is not easy to discover truth, moreover it is a toilsome and mammoth task to discover it. Men do not possess the mind to strive for truth. Not only that men do not care properly to know it. Men love lies more than truth and love to change their very opinions. If truth is discovered, it will act as a kind of restraint upon the minds of men. Then men cannot do according to his own whim. That is why each and every man remains indifferent to know what truth is. To give this idea Bacon cited the example of Pilate, the ancient Roman Governor of Judaea, who is not an exception to common human nature and who acts here as a representative of mankind. He also asked the definition of truth, but in a light-hearted manner. Bacon explains that people generally get much pleasure in frequent changing of their opinions. They think truth a captivity which affects free will in thinking as well as in acting. They aim at complete and unrestricted freedom of thought, opinion and action. So, when they search for truth, they only show a mere cursory quest for it, just like Pilate.

Bacon attempts to test, refine and bring to the perfection, first, man’s conceptions and then, human nature itself. Here, too, Bacon first cited an example of individual and then used it to all human beings. “What is truth?”- is an excerpt from the Bible: John 18.38 . It is very difficult to decide why Pilate was perhaps justified in not waiting for the answer to his question. This effort of the human spirit to fight the fears and limitations of the human condition may perhaps rank as the noblest expression of Bacon’s philosophic mind. There is a slight touch of obscurity here for the uninitiated reader.

“But I cannot tell : this same truth is a naked and open day light, that doth not show the masques and mummeries and triumphs of the world half so stately and daintily as candle-lights.”

Human beings are somehow or other attracted by lies. They have a natural, though corrupt, love for lies. Poets make use of lies in their compositions in order to cater pleasure to readers. Businessmen tell lies for gaining more commercial profits. But why common people tell lies for the lie’s sake is not clear. It is the common habit of people to hide their real face and figure and character under false hood. Lie hides the original matter of the things and shows what is artificial. Men know well the greatness of truth, yet they follow lies and use masques, mummeries and triumphs, Masque is an entertainment consisting of dancing and other diversions of performers whose faces are disguised in masks. Mummery is also a popular, primitive entertainment in which the performers make sports and gestures without speaking, Triumphs are magnificent because pompous shows are provided to people for amusement. All these are the various types of false hood which hides the genuine shape. It is the difference between truth and lie. Truth is like open daylight while lie is like the faint and dim light of the candle. The faint light of candle shows up the cheap and artificial things very magnificent and attractive. But in daylight the original shape is seen and it shows things what they are. Sun is sublime, Sun-shine is sublime and so is truth. There is nothing superior to truth, nothing brighter than truth.

The passage gives expression to ideas which are noble and worthy of the highest appreciation. Bacon relates truth as stable, pure and serene. He gives here, vivid simile and metaphor in order to elucidate his ideas. The comparison between truth and daylight and between die and candle-light is excellent and remarkable. Bacon is right that truth is not so alluring as a lie or falsehood. The sentences are written in compact and terse style of which Bacon is a master.

“Truth may perhaps come to the price of a pearl, that showeth best by day, but it will not rise to the price of a diamond or carbuncle, that showeth best in varied lights.”

Bacon points out that truth, in comparison with lie and falsehood, is more stable, pure and serene. Truth is like clear, open daylight which does not show the masques, mummeries and triumphs of the world as so magnificent and attractive as candle lights show them. Yet, people follow the path of falsehood. It is because falsehood hides the original form and shows what is artificial, just like candlelight shows up the simple things the most attractive and magnificent. But truth is like open daylight always showing things in their original form. Nothing is comparable to truth in its sublimity, purity and sanctity. Truth is like pearl which is seen to the best advantage in day-light. Falsehood is like diamond or carbuncle which is seen best in varied lights. Truth is one and always the same. It always appears with its original form and never hides itself in masks. Though the price of pearl is lower than that of diamond or carbuncle, but pearl is more sublime, pure and holy than these precious stones which like falsehood assumes various forms in varied lights. Diamond or carbuncle becomes more attractive at night and thus distracts the belief of the people. That is why, truth is always compared to a pearl, the lustre of which can best be appreciated in daylight and it never be compared to a diamond or a carbuncle which can be best admired in the artificial light of candles and lamps. Truth lacks the charm of verity which falsehood has. So truth is indispensible for glorification and purification of human life.

The passage gives expression to ideas which are noble and worthy of the highest appreciation. There is a didactic tone submerged here. The object of the writer is to instill into the mind of his readers a love of truth Bacon gives us very vivid similes and metaphors in order to illustrate his ideas. The comparison between truth and pearl and between falsehood and carbuncle is excellent and notable. The sentences are written in condensed and aphoristic style of which Bacon is the master. Above all, the passage epitomizes the theme: it does not matter, whether the price is high or low; but it is the genuineness that matters.

“A mixture of a lie doth ever add pleasure.”

Bacon points out that there is a giddiness in man’s nature. Men get more delight in changing their opinions now and then. They do not want to remain fixed on any truth Human mind has a corrupt love for lies. It seems that human beings are somehow or other attracted by lies. Lies told by poets in their composition add delight and taste. The traders tell lies to gain more. But why people take the shelter of lies for lie’s sake is not clear. They feel a certain proneness to lies. Even Bacon is unable to explain it. It is perhaps the main fact that truth gives more pleasure when a lie is added to it. People enjoy much delight and pleasure in admixing falsehood with truth. Human mind is fond of gain opinions, false hopes. In other words, human beings retain falsehood for whole time. If the vain opinions, flattering hopes, wrong judgments were to be taken out of human mind, his mind would be full of melancholy and illness. All these different types of falsehood give people a strange kind of pleasure and keep them happy. Bacon warns us at last. Though falsehood gives our mind pleasure, it is harmful some time. Lies which are received by the mind and then forgotten cannot harm us. But lies which sink into the mind and settle down there forever, hurt us.

The sentence reveals Bacon’s wisdom and gives expression to ideas which are noble and worthy of the appreciation. Nobody will disgrace with Bacon when he says falsehood has a pleasing effect upon a human being. This sentence shows Bacon’s gift of compression. It is epigrammatic and can be used as a quotation in need.

“For a lie faces God, and shrinks from man”.

Truth, in comparison with falsehood, is more stable, pure and serene. It shows us the path of victory to follow. It is so clear as open daylight is, it is so graceful and dignified as a pearl is. Nothing is comparable to truth in its sublimity, purity and sanctity. Yet people constantly tell lies and follow the path of falsehood. Human beings have a natural and corrupt love for lies. With the passing of time, they became too much desperate and reckless in telling lies. They even ignore the honour and dignity of God. They tell hundreds of lies in their everyday life but take oath in the name of God and thus they defy God. But human beings never tell lies to his fellowmen. They cannot trust his brethren. They always get afraid of being unlocked of their secrecy and that is why they cannot tell the truth to their fellow men so desperately and courageously as they tell the lies facing God. In this connection Bacon cited Montaigne who said very logically and aptly that, in telling a lie, man is brave towards God and a coward towards men. A liar does not have the courage to tell the truth to his fellow human beings, but he has the courage to tell a lie defying God. To tell a lie men come face to face of God, but remain far away from man. Here lies the paradox. Bacon feels that the whole world has been submerged under the wickedness of falsehood. In far-off future, when Christ will come on this earth on the second Doomsday, he will certainly not find man’s faith on God.

The sentence is the fruit of high meditation. If gives expression to ides which are noble and worthy of the highest appreciation. Bacon is right that while a man tells a lie, his cowardliness is revealed. It is an illustration of Bacon’s gift of compression. It also implies Bacon’s love of quotations. The quotation from Montaixne is very effective for the purpose for which it has been introduced: “For a lie faces God, and shrinks from man”

“Certainly it is heaven upon earth to have a men’s mind move in charity rest in providence, and turn upon the poles of truth”.

Bacon is here enunciating a noble principle. He uplifts the ideas of charity and truth and teaches us to submit whole-heartedly to the will of god. He relates truth as stable, pure, and sacred. The man who can be able to realize truth, he can feel the heavenly bliss. The greatest pleasure for a man is the realization of truth. Nothing is comparable to the pleasure that comes out of truth. It is a pleasure to stand upon the shore and to see ships tossed upon the sea, it is also a pleasure to stand in front of window of a castle and to see a battle and the adventures thereof. But no pleasure is comparable to the standing upon the vantage ground of truth and to survey the errors, false hoods, mistakes and injustices prevailing in the world. While dealing with truth man’s outlook should be full of pity. All the reasonings of human being should be based upon truth. Human beings will be capable of enjoying the bliss of paradise in spite of staying on earth of their mind become replete with kindness, humanity faith on God and, above all, truth.

“Bacon here says that a man’s mind should move in charity’ as the universe is moved by the ‘primum mobile’: rest in providence as the universe rests in infinite space and revolve around truth as the spheres, revolve around the celestial poles.” It expresses the ideas which are noble and worthy of the highest appreciation. The passage also illustrates Bacon’s gift of compression. A great sublime ideal is laid within these few words.

“and that mixture of falsehood is like allay in coin of gold and silver, which may make the metal work the better, but it embaseth it”.

People have a common proneness and inclination to falsehood. It is a corrupt love for lies. The fact is not clear why men give more preference to lies than truth, although they know it very well that truth will show the right path to victory. Truth gives more pleasure when a lie is added to it. If the notion of false hopes, vain opinions and wrong judgments is cut-off from man’s mind, he will feel himself miserable. Falsehood gives people a strange kind of pleasure. But it can never be ignored that, and even people who themselves do not practice truth will admit that direct and straightforward conduct shows honorable and noble quality of human nature. Yet men go to mix lies with truth to gain more conveniences in practical life. But false hood undoubtedly lowers and degrades a man. The mixture of falsehood is like alloy which is mixed into gold or silver. The admixture of an alloy, though makes the metal more flexible and easier to work, but it debases the substance. To strengthen the fact, Bacon compares false hood and dishonest practices with the crooked and twisting movements of the snakes. As the serpent follows the winding way, not straight, it is the lowest creature that moves upon its belly. So if a man tells lies and follows the cooked ways of society, he will remain in the lowest condition than others.

This passage gives expression to ideas which are noble and worthy of the highest appreciation. The object of the writer is to instill into the mind of the readers a kind of love for truth and a kind of contempt for falsehood. Here lies Bacon’s compact and condensed style. Bacon’s comparison here, is excellent. The alloy makes the metal work better, but it lessens the value of the metal. Similarly, falsehood may be useful from the practical and business point of view, but it lowers the dignity of the individual who tells a lie

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Of Truth, by Francis Bacon

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• 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

"Of Truth" is the opening essay in the final edition of the philosopher, statesman, and jurist Francis Bacon's "Essays or Counsels, Civil and Moral" (1625). In this essay, as Roosevelt University associate professor of philosophy Svetozar Minkov points out, Bacon addresses the question of "whether it is worse to lie to others or to oneself—to possess truth (and lie, when necessary, to others) or to think one possesses the truth but be mistaken and hence unintentionally convey falsehoods to both oneself and to others" ("Francis Bacon's 'Inquiry Touching Human Nature,'" 2010).

Below, find the full text of Francis Bacon 's essay "Of Truth", in which he argues that people have a natural inclination to lie to others: "a natural though corrupt love, of the lie itself."

"What is truth?" said jesting Pilate, and would not stay for an answer. Certainly, there be that delight in giddiness, and count it a bondage to fix a belief, affecting free-will in thinking as well as in acting. And though the sects of philosophers of that kind be gone, yet there remain certain discoursing wits which are of the same veins, though there be not so much blood in them as was in those of the ancients. But it is not only the difficulty and labor which men take in finding out of truth, nor again that when it is found it imposeth upon men's thoughts, that doth bring lies in favor, but a natural though corrupt love of the lie itself. One of the later school of the Grecians examineth the matter, and is at a stand to think what should be in it, that men should love lies where neither they make for pleasure, as with poets, nor for advantage, as with the merchant; but for the lie's sake. But I cannot tell: this same truth is a naked and open daylight that doth not show the masques and mummeries and triumphs of the world half so stately and daintily as candle-lights. Truth may perhaps come to the price of a pearl that showeth best by day; but it will not rise to the price of a diamond or carbuncle, that showeth best in varied lights. A mixture of a lie doth ever add pleasure. Doth any man doubt that if there were taken out of men's minds vain opinions, flattering hopes, false valuations, imaginations as one would, and the like, but it would leave the minds of a number of men poor shrunken things, full of melancholy and indisposition, and unpleasing to themselves? One of the fathers, in great severity, called poesy vinum daemonum [the wine of devils] because it filleth the imagination, and yet it is but with the shadow of a lie. But it is not the lie that passeth through the mind, but the lie that sinketh in and settleth in it that doth the hurt, such as we spake of before. But howsoever these things are thus in men's depraved judgments and affections, yet truth, which only doth judge itself, teacheth that the inquiry of truth, which is the love-making or wooing of it; the knowledge of truth, which is the presence of it; and the belief of truth, which is the enjoying of it, is the sovereign good of human nature. The first creature of God in the works of the days was the light of the sense; the last was the light of reason; and his Sabbath work ever since is the illumination of his spirit. First he breathed light upon the face of the matter, or chaos; then he breathed light into the face of man; and still he breatheth and inspireth light into the face of his chosen. The poet that beautified the sect that was otherwise inferior to the rest, saith yet excellently well, "It is a pleasure to stand upon the shore, and to see ships tossed upon the sea; a pleasure to stand in the window of a castle, and to see a battle and the adventures thereof below; but no pleasure is comparable to the standing upon the vantage ground of truth (a hill not to be commanded, and where the air is always clear and serene), and to see the errors and wanderings and mists and tempests in the vale below"*; so always that this prospect be with pity, and not with swelling or pride. Certainly it is heaven upon earth to have a man's mind move in charity, rest in providence, and turn upon the poles of truth.

To pass from theological and philosophical truth to the truth of civil business: it will be acknowledged, even by those that practice it not, that clear and round dealing is the honor of man's nature, and that mixture of falsehood is like alloy in coin of gold and silver, which may make the metal work the better, but it embaseth it. For these winding and crooked courses are the goings of the serpent, which goeth basely upon the belly and not upon the feet. There is no vice that doth so cover a man with shame as to be found false and perfidious; and therefore Montaigne saith prettily, when he inquired the reason why the word of the lie should be such a disgrace and such an odious charge. Saith he, "If it be well weighed, to say that a man lieth, is as much as to say that he is brave towards God, and a coward towards man." For a lie faces God, and shrinks from man. Surely the wickedness of falsehood and breach of faith cannot possibly be so highly expressed as in that it shall be the last peal to call the judgments of God upon the generations of men: it being foretold that when Christ cometh, "He shall not find faith upon the earth."

*Bacon's paraphrase of the opening lines of Book II of "On the Nature of Things" by Roman poet Titus Lucretius Carus.

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Of Truth by Francis Bacon

WHAT is truth? said jesting Pilate, and would not stay for an answer. Certainly there be that delight in giddiness, and count it a bondage to fix a belief; affecting 1 free-will in thinking, as well as in acting. And though the sects of philosophers, of that kind 2 be gone, yet there remain certain discoursing 3 wits which are of the same veins, though there be not so much blood in them as was in those of the ancients. But it is not only the difficulty and labor which men take in finding out of truth, nor again that when it is found it imposeth upon 4 men’s thoughts, that doth bring lies in favor; but a natural though corrupt love of the lie itself. One of the later school 5 of the Grecians examineth the matter and is at a stand to think what should be in it, that men should love lies, where neither they make for pleasure, as with poets, nor for advantage, as with the merchant; but for the lie’s sake. But I cannot tell; this same truth is a naked and open day-light, that doth not show the masks and mummeries and triumphs of the world, half so stately and daintily as candle-lights. Truth may perhaps come to the price of a pearl, that showeth best by day; but it will not rise to the price of a diamond or carbuncle, that showeth best in varied lights. A mixture of a lie doth ever add pleasure. Doth any man doubt, that if there were taken out of men’s minds vain opinions, flattering hopes, false valuations, imaginations as one would, and the like, but it would leave the minds of a number of men poor shrunken things, full of melancholy and indisposition, and unpleasing to themselves?

One of the fathers, in great severity, called poesy vinum dæmonum [devils’-wine], because it filleth the imagination; and yet it is but with the shadow of a lie. But it is not the lie that passeth through the mind, but the lie that sinketh in and settleth in it, that doth the hurt; such as we spake of before. But howsoever these things are thus in men’s depraved judgments and affections, yet truth, which only doth judge itself, teacheth that the inquiry of truth, which is the love-making or wooing of it, the knowledge of truth, which is the presence of it, and the belief of truth, which is the enjoying of it, is the sovereign good of human nature. The first creature of God, in the works of the days, was the light of the sense; the last was the light of reason; and his sabbath work ever since is the illumination of his Spirit. First he breathed light upon the face of the matter or chaos; then he breathed light into the face of man; and still he breatheth and inspireth light into the face of his chosen. The poet 6 that beautified the sect 7 that was otherwise inferior to the rest, saith yet excellently well: It is a pleasure to stand upon the shore and to see ships tossed upon the sea; a pleasure to stand in the window of a castle and to see a battle and the adventures thereof below: but no pleasure is comparable to the standing upon the vantage ground of truth (a hill not to be commanded, and where the air is always clear and serene), and to see the errors and wanderings and mists and tempests in the vale below ; so always that this prospect be with pity, and not with swelling or pride. Certainly, it is heaven upon earth, to have a man’s mind move in charity, rest in providence, and turn upon the poles of truth.

To pass from theological and philosophical truth to the truth of civil business; it will be acknowledged even by those that practise it not, that clear and round dealing is the honor of man’s nature; and that mixture of falsehood is like alloy in coin of gold and silver, which may make the metal work the better, but it embaseth it. For these winding and crooked courses are the goings of the serpent; which goeth basely upon the belly, and not upon the feet. There is no vice that doth so cover a man with shame as to be found false and perfidious. And therefore Montaigne saith prettily, when he inquired the reason why the word of the lie should be such a disgrace and such an odious charge. Saith he, If it be well weighed, to say that a man lieth, is as much to say, as that he is brave towards God and a coward towards men . For a lie faces God, and shrinks from man. Surely the wickedness of falsehood and breach of faith cannot possibly be so highly expressed, as in that it shall be the last peal to call the judgments of God upon the generations of men; it being foretold that when Christ cometh, he shall not find faith upon the earth .

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Literary Yog

Of Truth by Francis Bacon: Explained in Easy Language

We have discussed a summary, line-by-line explanation, and the theme of the essay in the following paragraphs, all explained in simple language.

Table of Contents

Of Truth Summary

Francis Bacon observes a common human tendency to favor lies over truth. For instance, Pilate recognized Christ’s innocence but felt pressured to condemn him. It implies sticking to truth is hard, whereas holding lies carries no risk and offers the flexibility to change one’s point of view at will.

Man loves lies because they are attractive and change their color, similar to a diamond or carbuncle. Truth is unchanging and simple, much like a pearl. Despite the advantage of lies, truth is valuable.

Bacon agrees lies can give temporary relief and prevent sadness and hopelessness. Some forms of lies, like poetry, are harmless as their effect is temporary. However, fixed beliefs are harmful.

Bacon asserts the pursuit of truth is man’s supreme virtue. He believes understanding, searching, and living by truth is an achievement and satisfaction.

Honesty in everyday conversation is also necessary for a virtuous life. While it is beneficial, falsehood is shameful and harmful to individuals and society.

Line By Line Explanation 

Francis Bacon begins the essay by referring to the Christ’s trial with a slight modification.

The Jewish chief priests and elders took Jesus to Pilate. Pilate asked Jesus if he was the King of the Jews. Jesus declared he was a king and came to bear witness to the world ( John 18:37 ). Having heard his declaration, Pilate asked him what the truth was ( John 18:38 ).

The Roman governor went outside and told the Jews that he found Jesus had done nothing wrong. Pilate was aware of Jesus’ innocence. Therefore, he tried to free Jesus by using a Passover tradition where he could release a prisoner, and questioned the crowd about Jesus’ supposed crimes.

Even though Pilate knew Jesus was innocent, he did not want to disappoint the Jewish crowd. Therefore, he ordered to crucify Christ. His decision regarding implies a reluctance to stand by the truth.

Bacon’s choice to frame Pilate’s question as “jesting” (Bacon 61) or joking could highlight a broader critique of how people prioritize convenience over upholding truth. People are often not ready to confront the consequences of admitting the truth.

Some people ignore truth and consider a fixed belief a bondage to the free will of thinking and action. They want to think and act freely. It is important to note what we believe is not truth. Bacon probably uses words belief and truth interchangeably.

It is risky to speak the truth, especially when it challenges predominant belief. For example, Galileo faced persecution for asserting heliocentric truth, which means the Earth goes around the Sun.

It requires courage. Therefore, most people prefer to keep quiet to avoid potential risks.

Pilate’s decision to wash his hands publicly and declare himself free of Christ’s blood proves his awareness of the committed injustice. It also suggests his attempt to avert himself from moral responsibility.

Bacon draws a similarity between Pilate and the human tendency to avoid the price of committing to the truth. Pilate was afraid to stand up for the truth because he did not want to lose the support of the Jews.

Bacon mentions that some groups of Greek philosophers had a keen interest in seeking the truth. He probably refers to the “Sceptics” and the “New (or third) Academy” (Pitcher 61n4).

They believed it was hard for people to know the truth. Some intellectuals still exist, but they are not as passionate about it as the Greeks were.

Reasons for Ignoring Truth

Bacon dives into why people prefer falsehood. He argues people ignore truth not because finding truth is a laborious process nor it limits their thoughts. Instead, people lie because one naturally loves to lie. 

Bacon refers to the Greek satirist Lucian. In  Lover of Lies,  Tychiades asks his friend Philokles why man lies even when it does not bring them joy like poets or profit like merchants. He questions why a man prefers lying for the sake of it.

For example, the speaker boasts before the sun in John Donne’s poem “ The Sun Rising ”. It amuses the poet and creates a space where he can imaginatively claim power over the mighty sun. Similarly, a merchant or a company might lie for profit. Lucian suggests that beyond poetry or trade, some lie simply for the lie itself. 

Though Bacon does not explain the reasons, here are some probable reasons. 

First, Albert Bandura’s social cognitive theory explains that children learn a behavior, including lying, either by direct experience or observing others. If they observe no consequences for lying, they might learn it is acceptable.

Second, they like to avoid repercussions of being truthful, which we have discussed above.

Third, psychologically, lying can be a defense mechanism to avoid unpleasant situations and maintain one’s subjective reality.

Differences between Truth and Lies

Bacon contrasts truth and lies by comparing them to clear daylight and flattering candlelight. Daylight does not show the masks, mummeries and triumphs of the world as elegantly as candlelight does on stage. 

A masque and mummery are an early form of dramatic performance. 

The soft glow of candlelight can beautify a scene and make things more attractive than they are. This analogy suggests truth shows things as they are and offers an unfiltered view of reality. On the other hand, lies distort perception and provide a filtered view of the truth. 

Bacon gives another analogy between pearl and diamond to differentiate truth and falsity. Truth is like a pearl that is constant and unaffected by light conditions. A diamond or carbuncle changes its appearance in various lighting conditions and attracts people.

The comparison implies that while truth is invaluable, it lacks the glamour of lies. They often seem more appealing because of their ability to deceive. Consequently, people prioritize flashy things such as lies over simplicity and honesty.

Bacon poses a critical question about the role of lies in life. Mind operates on a pleasure principle, seeking joy and avoiding pain. The challenges of life drive us to create fantasies.

Though these falsehoods are lies, they offer comfort and hope, making life bearable. If one removes all these pointless opinions, flattering hopes, false valuations, imaginations, life would be empty and disillusioned.

For example, in the story “ The Free Radio ,” the protagonist Ramani holds to the false hope of receiving a free radio and becoming a hero, which keeps him spirited despite his poverty.

It raises a question: What kind of falsehood should we allow in our perception of reality?

The section below aims to answer this.

Light-Hearted Lies vs. Serious Lies

Poetry is a light-hearted lie and harmless, as its effects are temporary. However, Philosophers like Plato have been skeptical about poetry, and excluded poets from his ideal  Republic . They often associate poetry with lies. So, St Jerome criticized poetry and said that poetry is the “food of devils” (Pitcher 62n9).

Though it distracts the readers from reality by firing up their imagination, it does not last long. Instead of poetry, those deep-rooted lies are harmful. For instance, Ramani’s firm faith in becoming a film star leads him to sell his only livelihood: his rickshaw.

Lies deeply influence one’s perceptions and actions. It is seductive and ultimately harmful.

The Value of Truth 

On the other hand, pursuing truth brings lasting benefits. Similar to other essays, such as ‘ Of Studies ,’ ‘ Of Friendship ,’ and ‘ Of Marriage and Single Life ,’ where Bacon discusses the benefits of specific topics, in this essay, he also explores the advantages of being truthful.

Truth is self-evident and self-validating; it does not require external validation for its worth. Searching for, understanding, and believing in truth is profoundly rewarding. 

Bacon likens this quest to a romantic relationship. One seeks to know a person deeply, feel the presence of the other, and enjoy being with the person in a romantic pursuit. Similarly, engaging with truth in these ways enriches our lives. 

It emphasizes that just as relationships bring joy and fulfillment, so does the pursuit of truth make one’s understanding and experience of the world deep and meaningful. 

However, I think embracing truth can be challenging. For instance, Galileo’s opposition shows how hard following truth can be, especially when they are against commonly accepted beliefs. Unlike the joy of love, seeking truth often leads to difficult discoveries that demand courage to face.

Nevertheless, seeking truth is a fundamental human nature and a divine intention. He refers to Genesis 1:3 and 1:27 to justify his point (Pitcher 62n10).  

God first created light that lets us see. The last thing he created was the reason. God also gave light to the formless earth and intellectual insight and spiritual enlightenment to humans.

The Benefit of Truth

Knowing oneself is the ultimate aim of man. Another benefit of truth is the one who knows oneself. The person knows everyone because all are one and connected.

Bacon paraphrases the first ten lines of Book II of Lucretius’s  On the Nature of Things  as an example. It mentions watching jerking ships during a storm from the shore and a battle from a castle window are pleasant experiences (Pitcher 62n11).

It is not about enjoying the suffering of others rather realizing one is safe from those troubles.

Witnessing these situations can be a metaphor for observing difficulties from a safe distance. The distance allows viewers to notice these situations safely without being directly involved.

However, the pleasure of viewing things on the downhill from a high hill is incomparable. One can see things clearly down the valley. The metaphorical hill represents a higher level of understanding. From this ideal state, one can understand the mistakes, doubts, and mental disturbances of those below the level.

The state of enlightenment is calm and clear, like a serene air. The high ground of truth is better than the physical viewpoints because of the superiority of intellectual insight over mere physical advantage.

The advantageous position allows one to observe and understand life challenges and the human condition. Therefore, Bacon suggests one should observe others with compassion rather than a sense of pride. Living with kindness towards others, trusting in the divine, and being guided by truth is like living in paradise on earth.

So, it highlights the importance of wisdom, which is attainable through the path of truth.

Benefits of Truth in Everyday Life

In daily interactions, following the path of truth is also necessary. Being open and honest is a noble aspect of human nature. While honesty is universally cherished, lies degrade human dignity. 

It might make the metalwork seem valuable but degrades its value. It suggests that though deceit might offer short-term advantages, it ultimately degrades one’s character.

Taking dishonest paths is akin to the movement of a snake. It needs the support of its belly to move. A lie also requires the help of another lie to justify it. 

This imagery reflects the negative symbolism of the serpent in Christianity. Christians consider snakes to be evil because Satan takes the form of a serpent and instigates Eve to eat the apple.

No other vice makes a person feel as ashamed as being caught lying and betraying trust. Deceit is the ultimate vice, bringing shame and mistrust.

The Moral Implications of Lying 

Montaigne ponders why calling someone a liar is disgraceful. Bacon cites a statement from “Of Giving the lie” Essays II 18, where Montaigne quotes Plutarch (Pitcher 63n14).

To him, lying is akin to defying God while fearing the judgment of humans. A liar has no courage before another man, and one takes it for granted that lying would not affect the judgment day. 

The evil of lying and breaking trust is so great that it could be the final warning for God to judge humanity. Humanity will feel the repercussions of telling lies on the day of Doomsday when God will judge humanity. 

Bacon cites Luke 18:8, emphasizing that when Christ returns to the earth, he shall not find faith in humanity. He believes the world will be full of liars, according to Pitcher (63n15).

It argues that lying is a moral wrong with personal and societal consequences. It makes one internally corrupted and weakens human relationships. Lies also disrespect divine principles and likely invoke divine judgment. 

Therefore, honesty is crucial for both moral integrity and the foundation of society.

What is the main idea of the essay “Of Truth”?

The central idea of the essay is the value and benefits of truthfulness. Truth has value, and there are benefits to being truthful. Lies might offer temporary pleasure. However, truth has a deep and lasting significance for individuals. We have discussed a summary, line-by-line explanation, and the theme of the essay in the following paragraphs, all explained in simple language.

What is the writing style of Francis Bacon in “Of Truth”?

Bacon uses an aphoristic style in the essay. An aphoristic style means conveying complex and deep ideas in just a few words. Bacon uses this method in his essays, including “Of Truth”, “ Of Love ”, “Of Studies”, and others. For instance, the statement from “Of Truth”, “But it is not only the difficulty and labor, which men take in finding out the truth, nor again, that when it is found, it imposes upon men’s thoughts, that doth bring lies in favor; but a natural, though corrupt love, of the lie itself,’ is aphoristic. It captures human nature and our relationship with truth and falsehood and their natural inclination towards falsehood in a brief and thought-provoking manner.

When was “Of Truth” published?

“Of Truth” appeared in the later edition of the essay collection titled  Essays or Counsels, Civil and Moral  in 1625, although the collection was first published in 1597.

• Bacon, Francis. “Of Truth.” Francis Bacon: The Essays , edited by John Pitcher, Penguin Books, 1985, pp. 61-63.
• Bandura, Albert. “Social Cognitive theory of Mass Communications.” Media effects: Advances in theory and Research , edited by J. Bryant and D. Zillman,NJ: Lawrence Erlbaum, 2001, pp. 121-153.
• Valkenburg, Patti M., and Jessica Taylor Piotrowski. Plugged In: How Media Attract and Affect Youth , Yale University Press, 2017.

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Francis Bacon

What is truth? said jesting Pilate, and would not stay for an answer. Certainly there be, that delight in giddiness, and count it a bondage to fix a belief; affecting free-will in thinking, as well as in acting. And though the sects of philosophers of that kind be gone, yet there remain certain discoursing wits, which are of the same veins, though there be not so much blood in them, as was in those of the ancients. But it is not only the difficulty and labor, which men take in finding out of truth, nor again, that when it is found, it imposeth upon men’s thoughts, that doth bring lies in favor; but a natural though corrupt love, of the lie itself. One of the later school of the Grecians, examineth the matter, and is at a stand, to think what should be in it, that men should love lies; where neither they make for pleasure, as with poets, nor for advantage, as with the merchant; but for the lie’s sake. But I cannot tell; this same truth, is a naked, and open day-light, that doth not show the masks, and mummeries, and triumphs, of the world, half so stately and daintily as candle-lights. Truth may perhaps come to the price of a pearl, that showeth best by day; but it will not rise to the price of a diamond, or carbuncle, that showeth best in varied lights. A mixture of a lie doth ever add pleasure. Doth any man doubt, that if there were taken out of men’s minds, vain opinions, flattering hopes, false valuations, imaginations as one would, and the like, but it would leave the minds, of a number of men, poor shrunken things, full of melancholy and indisposition, and unpleasing to themselves?

One of the fathers, in great severity, called poesy vinum doemonum , [the devils wine] because it filleth the imagination; and yet, it is but with the shadow of a lie. But it is not the lie that passeth through the mind, but the lie that sinketh in, and settleth in it, that doth the hurt; such as we spake of before. But, howsoever these things are thus in men’s depraved judgments, and affections, yet truth, which only doth judge itself, teacheth that the inquiry of truth, which is the love-making, or wooing of it, the knowledge of truth, which is the presence of it, and the belief of truth, which is the enjoying of it, is the sovereign good of human nature. The first creature of God, in the works of the days, was the light of the sense; the last, was the light of reason; and his sabbath work ever since, is the illumination of his Spirit. First he breathed light, upon the face of the matter or chaos; then he breathed light, into the face of man; and still he breatheth and inspireth light, into the face of his chosen. The poet, that beautified the sect, that was otherwise inferior to the rest, saith yet excellently well: It is a pleasure, to stand upon the shore, and to see ships tossed upon the sea; a pleasure, to stand in the window of a castle, and to see a battle, and the adventures thereof below: but no pleasure is comparable to the standing upon the vantage ground of truth (a hill not to be commanded, and where the air is always clear and serene), and to see the errors, and wanderings, and mists, and tempests, in the vale below; so always that this prospect be with pity, and not with swelling, or pride. Certainly, it is heaven upon earth, to have a man’s mind move in charity, rest in providence, and turn upon the poles of truth.

To pass from theological, and philosophical truth, to the truth of civil business; it will be acknowledged, even by those that practise it not, that clear, and round dealing, is the honor of man’s nature; and that mixture of falsehoods, is like alloy in coin of gold and silver, which may make the metal work the better, but it embaseth it. For these winding, and crooked courses, are the goings of the serpent; which goeth basely upon the belly, and not upon the feet. There is no vice, that doth so cover a man with shame, as to be found false and perfidious. And therefore Montaigne saith prettily, when he inquired the reason, why the word of the lie should be such a disgrace, and such an odious charge? Saith he, If it be well weighed, to say that a man lieth, is as much to say, as that he is brave towards God, and a coward towards men. For a lie faces God, and shrinks from man. Surely the wickedness of falsehood, and breach of faith, cannot possibly be so highly expressed, as in that it shall be the last peal, to call the judgments of God upon the generations of men; it being foretold, that when Christ cometh, he shall not find faith upon the earth.

MLA Citation

Bacon, Francis. “Of truth.” 1601. Quotidiana. Ed. Patrick Madden. 22 Jan 2007. 13 Aug 2024 <http://essays.quotidiana.org/bacon/truth/>.

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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.

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Critical Appreciation of "Of Truth" by Francis Bacon

"Of Truth" by Francis Bacon invites a critical appreciation that extends beyond its historical context, delving into the profound philosophical and psychological dimensions that Bacon explores. The essay serves as a thought-provoking commentary on the human experience, truth-seeking, and the intricate relationship between truth and falsehood. Here's a detailed analysis:

1. Literary Craftsmanship:

Bacon's literary craftsmanship is evident in the essay's concise yet profound style. His use of vivid metaphors and similes, comparing truth to open daylight and falsehood to candlelight, contributes to the clarity of his arguments. The aphoristic quality of his sentences enhances the impact of his insights, showcasing a masterful command of language.

2. Psychological Insight:

The essay offers a keen insight into the complexities of human psychology. Bacon's portrayal of Pilate as a skeptic indifferent to the pursuit of truth serves as a poignant representation of humanity's tendency to evade deeper philosophical inquiries. The recognition of the corrupt love for lies and the pleasure derived from their combination with truth reveals a nuanced understanding of the human psyche.

3. Philosophical Depth:

Bacon elevates the discourse to philosophical heights by exploring metaphysical dimensions. The metaphorical comparison of truth to a pearl, shining best in daylight, and falsehood to a diamond or carbuncle, shining best in varied lights, introduces a profound contemplation on the nature of reality. The vision of heaven on earth, where the mind aligns with charity, providence, and truth, reflects Bacon's philosophical depth.

4. Ethical Considerations:

An ethical undercurrent runs through the essay, as Bacon addresses the consequences of falsehood. The analogy of falsehood as an alloy in the coin of gold and silver emphasizes the practical advantages it may bring but also underscores the debasement it introduces. This ethical stance reflects Bacon's concern for the moral integrity of individuals and society.

5. Societal Critique:

Bacon subtly critiques societal norms, pointing to the paradox of individuals being brave towards God but cowardly towards fellow humans when confronted with the truth. The prediction of a future lacking faith in God implies a skeptical view of societal values. This socio-cultural critique adds layers of meaning to the essay.

6. Timeless Relevance:

The themes explored in "Of Truth" retain their relevance across temporal and cultural boundaries. The human struggle with truth, the allure of falsehood, and the ethical considerations associated with honesty are universal, ensuring the enduring significance of the essay.

7. Emotional Resonance:

Bacon strikes a delicate balance between reason and emotion. While providing logical arguments for the supremacy of truth, he acknowledges the emotional pleasure derived from falsehood. This dual approach adds emotional resonance to the essay, acknowledging the intricate interplay between rationality and human emotions.

In conclusion, the critical appreciation of "Of Truth" unveils its layers of meaning, showcasing Bacon's literary prowess, psychological acuity, philosophical depth, ethical considerations, societal critique, and its timeless relevance in understanding the intricacies of the human condition.

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Francis Bacon: Essays and Major Works

By francis bacon, francis bacon: essays and major works summary and analysis of the essays, part two (moral).

Notable moral essays include "Of Revenge," "Of Envy," "Of Love," Of Truth," and "Of Goodness and Goodness in Nature."

In "Of Revenge," Bacon says that revenge is a natural inclination for man, but that does not mean that the law should allow it. Instead, the more vengeful men become, the more involved the law should be in combatting pursuits of revenge.

Bacon explains that in seeking revenge, one may become even with his enemy, but in bypassing revenge, he becomes superior to his enemy.

In "Of Envy," Bacon suggests that the two most powerful human emotions are love and envy, as they both have the power to "bewitch "(354). He says that only men who have no virtue themselves will be eternally envious of others. Accordingly, those with superior virtue are often the subjects of envy.

In "Of Love," Bacon argues that the theatre is a better home to portrayals of love, as love often appears in lighthearted comedies. In life, by contrast, love can cause "mischief" and pain (358). Bacon explains that revered figures from history remained unaffected by love and desire, which he describes as a "weak passion" that corrupts virtuous hearts (358).

In "Of Truth," Bacon admits that truth is perplexing, evasive, and often unpalatable. He says that truth may be valued at the price of a pearl, but that it will never be valued at the price of a diamond – meaning that while men aspire to know the truth, it never offers as much pleasure as "a mixture of a lie" (341).

In "Of Goodness and Goodness in Nature," Bacon argues that there are two types of goodness: goodness of habit, and goodness in nature. The latter Bacon defines as the inclination toward goodness, while the former is learned goodness that one observes in society. Goodness stems directly from the virtue of charity, and Bacon argues that without goodness, man is a "busy, mischievous, wretched thing" (363).

Bacon's moral essays are similar to his civil essays, in that he offers general conclusions about human ethics and encourages his readers to pursue a virtuous, Christian life. Most of Bacon's aphoristic quotations come from his moral essays, as he reflects on the nature of man's folly with an eye toward offering a better path. Crucially, many of Bacon's moralisms in these essays were also being explored in other early modern literature and culture – most significantly on the Renaissance stage.

The revenge tragedy became an important and recurring genre during this time period, producing such celebrated plays as Thomas Kyd's The Spanish Tragedy (credited as being the first revenge tragedy), Shakespeare's Hamlet , and Thomas Middleton's The Revenger's Tragedy . In these plays, revenge is the central motivation for characters to act, but revenge is also presented as paralyzing, maddening, and ultimately fruitless (in all these plays, the main character dies).

These plots are in many ways dramatizations of Bacon's own assertion that exacting revenge puts one on equal footing with their enemy, but declining the impulse for revenge elevates one to a higher and more virtuous status (of course, the characters in these plays never experience the latter, therein providing their own moral).

Indeed, Bacon continues to rely on theatrical metaphors throughout his moral essays. While some might argue that this interest can serve as evidence that Bacon was a closeted playwright (or even the "real" William Shakespeare), it is more likely that these metaphors simply underscore the extent to which theater had taken hold over early modern England. The theater was a popular genre of entertainment, and was at the time mostly considered a "low-brow" enterprise for the masses. Thus, when Bacon moralizes that love is best meant for the theater, he offers a critique both of love – claiming it is merely a passion that destroys weak men – and the theater, which he perhaps saw as more apt to handle lighthearted entertainment than serious questions of ethics and philosophy.

Now, of course, readers often turn to early modern drama precisely for insight into Renaissance philosophy, showcasing how much Bacon shared in common with the genre of literature he purported to find insufficient for tackling questions of human knowledge.

Francis Bacon: Essays and Major Works Questions and Answers

The Question and Answer section for Francis Bacon: Essays and Major Works is a great resource to ask questions, find answers, and discuss the novel.

why baccon used OF before starting his essays

becose it is used to mention the things particular

What is Sir Francis Bacon’s main purpose in the text?

In this essay Bacon states his ideology about education and learning. He argues that, "studies serve for delight, for ornament, and for ability." Bacon felt that people should delight in knowledge for its own sake rather than a means to an end...

Part A: which statement best summarizes the text

A. Learning is personal and focuses on improving weaknesses and enhancing strengths.

Study Guide for Francis Bacon: Essays and Major Works

Francis Bacon: Essays and Major Works study guide contains a biography of Francis Bacon, literature essays, a complete e-text, quiz questions, major themes, characters, and a full summary and analysis of select works.

• About Francis Bacon: Essays and Major Works
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Essays for Francis Bacon: Essays and Major Works

Francis Bacon: Essays and Major Works essays are academic essays for citation. These papers were written primarily by students and provide critical analysis of Francis Bacon's quotes and writings.

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Wikipedia Entries for Francis Bacon: Essays and Major Works

• Introduction

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

I. OF TRUTH.

What is truth? said jesting Pilate; and would not stay for an answer. Certainly there be that delight in giddiness; and count it a bondage to fix a belief; affecting free-will in thinking, as well as in acting. And though the sects of philosophers of that kind be gone, yet there remain certain discoursive wits, which are of the same veins, though there be not so much blood in them as was in those of the ancients. But it is not only the difficulty and labour which men take in finding out of truth, nor again, that when it is found, it imposeth upon men’s thoughts, that doth bring lies in favour, but a natural though corrupt love of the lie itself. One of the later schools of the Grecians examineth the matter, and is at a stand to think what should be in it, that men should love lies; where neither they make for pleasure, as with poet; nor for advantage, as with the merchant, but for the lie’s sake. But I cannot tell: this same truth is a naked and open daylight, that doth not show the masks, and mummeries, and triumphs of the world, half so stately and daintily as candlelights. Truth may perhaps come to the price of a pearl, that showeth best by day, but it will not rise to the price of a diamond or carbuncle, that showeth best in varied lights. A mixture of a lie doth ever add pleasure. Doth any man doubt, that if there were taken out of men’s minds, vain opinions, flattering hopes, false valuations, imaginations as one would, and the like, but it would leave the minds of a number of men, poor shrunken things, full of melancholy and indisposition, and unpleasing to themselves? One of the fathers, in great severity, called poesy “vinum dæmonum,”; because it filleth the imagination, and yet it is but with the shadow of a lie. But it is not the lie that passeth through the mind, but the lie that sinketh in, and settleth in it, that doth the hurt, such as we spake of before. But howsoever these things are thus in men’s depraved judgments and affections, yet truth, which only doth judge itself, teacheth, that the inquiry of truth, which is the love-making, or wooing of it, the knowledge of truth, which is the presence of it, and the belief of truth, which is the enjoying of it, is the sovereign good of human nature. The first creature of God, in the works of the days, was the light of the sense: the last was the light of reason; and his Sabbath work ever since, is the illumination of his Spirit. First, he breathed light upon the face of the matter, or chaos; then he breathed light into the face of man; and still he breatheth and inspireth light into the face of his chosen. The poet that beautified the sect, that was otherwise inferior to the rest, saith yet excellently well: “It is a pleasure to stand upon the shore, and to see ships tossed upon the sea: a pleasure to stand in the window of a castle, and to see a battle, and the adventures thereof below: but no pleasure is comparable to the standing upon the vantage ground of truth, (a hill not to be commanded, and where the air is always clear and serene,) and to see the errors, and wanderings, and mists, and tempests in the vale below:” so always that this prospect be with pity, and not with swelling or pride. Certainly, it is heaven upon earth, to have a man’s mind move in charity, rest in providence, and turn upon the poles of truth.

To pass from theological and philosophical truth, to the truth of civil business; it will be acknowledged even by those that practise it not, that clean and round dealing is the honour of man’s nature, and that mixture of falsehood is like alloy in coin of gold and silver, which may make the metal work the better, but it embaseth it. For these winding and crooked courses are the goings of the serpent; which goeth basely upon the belly, and not upon the feet. There is no vice that doth so cover a man with shame as to be found false and perfidious; and therefore Montaigne saith prettily, when he inquired the reason, why the word of the lie should be such a disgrace, and such an odious charge, saith he, “If it be well weighed, to say that a man lieth, is as much as to say, that he is brave towards God, and a coward towards men. For a lie faces God, and shrinks from man.” Surely the wickedness of falsehood and breach of faith cannot possibly be so highly expressed, as in that it shall be the last peal to call the judgments of God upon the generations of men: it being foretold, that when “Christ cometh,” he shall not “find faith upon the earth.”

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

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Of Truth by Francis Bacon Summary

Table of Contents

Introduction

Francis Bacon was a prose writer of renaissance age, a great philosopher and pioneer of scientific thoughts. He had set some goals in his life. One is to serve his country, second is to serve the church and the other is to learn the truth.

Style of Writing

Bacon’s style is most remarkable for his preciseness. He has a great command of condensation of the sentences. Each sentence of his essay contains multiple meanings and references. He combines wisdom with brevity and his short, pithy sayings become famous as mottoes and useful expressions.

Humans and Truth & Lie

Of truth is Bacon’s great work of prose which shows his keen observation of human beings with their attributes of truth and lie. In the beginning, he states that people generally do not care for the truth.

He gives the example of Pilate, the governor of the Roman Empire while conducting the session with Jesus Christ, does not pay attention to the truth and said: “what is the truth? Said Jesting Pilate, and would not stay for an answer.”

Reason Why People Hate Truth

Moving on he describes the reasons why people do not like the truth. First, the truth is difficult to acquire without hard work and man is ever reluctant to work hard. Moreover, truth makes people bound to a certain fact. It diminishes freedom.

According to Bacon truth is like a bright day which shows the real self. Truth is like a pearl that shows what is visible to the naked eye. It cannot show anything by adding unrealistic elements. Falsehood can show something apparent in dark.

Lies and Pleasure

People lie because it covers their real personality. Bacon rightly says that “A mixture of a lie doth ever add pleasure.” The mixture of truth and lie makes things interesting and pleases everyone.

He states if everything is presented as its real colour with no additional praise, flattering comments, and illusions the society will become indolent.

A bit of lie added to truth is like making an alloy of copper and gold. It becomes easier to work with these metals but at the same times, it makes it impure.

Lie is Like Snake

Bacon compares lie with a snake crawling on its belly instead of walking on its feet. The false person has to let his head down because he feels guilty all the time due to his habit of speaking falsehood all the time to earn benefits in business. There is no shameful act than to be a liar.

Therefore Bacon concludes his essay with didacticism by giving a tinge of Christian morality. The essay is rich in manner and matter. This is a council, civil and moral and should be read slowly to understand the lucid and condensed prose style of Bacon.

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