Kakatiya University- UG English, Semester-I
Unit-II: Essay
Summary: Of Studies -Francis Bacon
Of Studies by Sir Francis Bacon is the first essay in the
series of ten essays published in 1597. Later, it was revised in 1612. He was a
lawyer, philosopher, writer and statesman. He developed a Scientific Method.
This essay is regarded as Bacon’s masterpiece
enriched with Latin vocabulary, fresh ideas, logical themes and wisdom of the
world. For these reasons, the essay is still popular among individuals of all
ages. Bacon’s essay illustrates the role studies play in an individual’s daily
life. For Bacon, the study is always related to the application of knowledge in
practical life.
He begins the essay by enlisting three
purposes of reading-“to delight, for ornament
and for ability”. Studies give delight in privateness, it serves
as an ornament in conversation and it improves our judgmental and executive
powers. However, he says “to spend too much
time in studies is sloth/ laziness”. Bacon thinks that studying
for a prolonged period of time may lead to laziness.
Bacon
speaks about the three different ways in which books are to be read. He says- “Some books are to be tasted, others to be swallowed,
and some few are to be chewed and digested.” This means some
books are to be enjoyed, some are to be understood and some are to be
implemented in life. Therefore, the readers must choose wisely before studying
any book.
Bacon
speaks about three types of people-“crafty men
condemn studies, simple men admire them, and wise men use them.”
One of
his famous quotations is “Reading
maketh a full man; conference a ready man; and writing an exact man”.For Bacon, only learned and well-read men can
execute plans effectively, manage their daily affairs with expertise and lead a
healthy and stable life.
He
says studies pass into character (Abeunt studia
in mores). So a man’s character
is influenced by the type of books he read. Studies play a vital role in a man’s life, making
him learned, witty and experienced.
He
considers studies as medicine for the defects of the human mind. He says bowling is good
for kidneys; shooting is good for lungs; walking is for stomach; and riding is
for head. Thus Bacon concludes the
essay by stating that for every deficit of the mind a remedy is to be found in
studies.
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