Essayes (or The Essays of Francis Bacon or just Essays) is a nonfiction book written by Francis Bacon. Released in 1597, it serves as a way for Bacon to tell his views on the world through essays.
Publisher's summary[]

Modern reprint of Essayes published by Penguin
One of the major political figures of his time, Sir Francis Bacon (1561-1626) served in the court of Elizabeth I and ultimately became Lord Chancellor under James I in 1617. A scholar, wit, lawyer and statesman, he wrote widely on politics, philosophy and science - declaring early in his career that 'I have taken all knowledge as my province'. In this, his most famous work, he considers a diverse range of subjects, such as death and marriage, ambition and atheism, in prose that is vibrant and rich in Renaissance learning.
Bacon believed that rhetoric - the force of eloquence and persuasion - could lead the mind to the pure light of reason, and his own rhetorical genius is nowhere better expressed than in these vivid essays.
Contents[]
Note: Not all editions will have the same list of Essays in the same order
- Of Truth
- Of Death
- Of Unity in Religion
- Of Revenge
- Of Adversity
- Of Simulation and Dissimulation - an essay on deceit
- Of Parents and Children - an essay on parenthood
- Of Marriage and Single Life - an essay on the difference between those who are single and those who are married
- Of Envy
- Of Love
- Of Great Place - an essay on those in high positions of society
- Of Boldness
- Goodness and Goodness of Nature
- Of Nobility
- Of Sedition and Troubles
- Of Atheism
- Superstition
- Of Travel
- Of Empire - an essay on Bacon's political views
- Of Counsel - an essay on Bacon's views on the legal system
- Delays
- Of Cunning
- Of Wisdom For a Man's Self
- Of Innovations
- Of Dispatch - an essay on timeliness
- Of Seeming Wise
- Of Friendship
- Of Expense
- Of the True Greatness of Kingdoms and Estates
- Of Regiment of Health
- Of Suspicion
- Of Discourse
- Of Plantations - an essay on making a farmstead
- Of Riches
- Of Prophecies
- Of Ambition
- Of Masques and Triumphs - an essays on plays
- Of Nature in Men
- Of Custom and Education
- Of Fortune
- Of Usury
- Youth and Age
- Of Beauty
- Of Deformity
- Of Building
- Of Gardens
- Of Negotiating
- Of Followers and Friends
- Of Suitors
- Of Studies - an essay on education
- Of Faction - an essay on politics
- Of Ceremonies, and Respects
- Of Praise
- Of Vain-glory
- Of Honor and Reputation
- Of Judicature
- Of Anger
- Of Vicissitude of Things - an essay on history
- Of Fame
rest to be added
Summary[]
Of Truth[]
According to Bacon, humans have a natural tendency towards lies, as most have "a natural though corrupt love, of the lie itself." Along with this, there are objective and subjective truths. Despite this, Bacon believes that truth is one of the greatest goods a human being can strive towards and that, when possible, people should try to be truthful.
Of Death[]
Though to many death is a thing to be extremely afraid of, Bacon claims that this should not be the case. The common view of death is tainted by tales of its agonies from religious and folk tales. At the end of this essay, Bacon lists various historical figures who had "uncommon" deaths.
Of Unity in Religion[]
According to Bacon, a unified religion is the best way to bring about peace and good fortune. The ancient "heathenous" religions were unified due to their religion being based on simple rituals instead of a singular belief. According to Bacon, the greatest threat to a religion are schisms and "heresies". The greatest cause of division within "modern" religions is the selfishness of those who join religions only to gain prominence. Other models of religion that Bacon says to avoid are the fanatics who actively seek out war with other religions and the overly-accepting who wish to accept viewpoints which are antithetical to each other.
Of Revenge[]
Bacon says that revenge is a "wild justice" that should be sparingly pursued and stamped out by the law but which cannot be fully extinguished. According to Bacon, to seek revenge is to act against past and usually impersonal wrongs that should be ignored. The mindless seeking of revenge can also destroy friendships for no good reason and will simply form an endless cycle of vendettas. Despite this, Bacon argues that public revenges can sometimes work.
Of Adversity[]
According to Bacon, adversity guides the adverse into fortitude and reveals virtue while prosperity guides the prosperous towards temperance and reveals vice. Bacon believes that adversity and its virtues are better than those brought by prosperity and uses the suffering of Job compared to the riches of King Solomon to explain this.
Of Simulation and Dissimulation[]
According to Bacon, simulation (the act of pretending you have what you don't have) and dissimulation (the act of pretending you don't have what you have) can be extremely useful. They can be used to lull your enemies into a false sense of security and surprise them. They can also be used to let someone escape their enemies easily.
Of Parents and Children[]
While the childless frequently create many of humanity's great achievements, parenthood is one of the greatest desires of humanity. According to Bacon, all humans wish to continue their legacy - even those who do not have children. Despite this, parenthood can be a burden along with a virtue. Parents frequently hide their true feelings from others and children can worsen misfortunes alongside creating good fortune. Parents should teach their children from an early age but should not try to force their own desires onto them.
Of Marriage and Single Life[]
According to Bacon, being married has many advantages but also a few disadvantages. Being married with children can serve as a roadblock to great achievements and that those without either wife or child usually go on to produce great works. Despite this, being unmarried can also lead to one becoming less generous and harder of heart. The unmarried can make great friends but might not make the best subjects as they are liable to become fugitives. Good marriages provide companionship for those who are married and are important to continuing the human race. Along with this, wives frequently become companions to their husbands for the rest of their lives.
Of Envy[]
Jealousy (or envy) is an extremely powerful and harmful emotion. It is described as an "evil eye" and is one of the greatest fundamental flaws of human nature - being, along with love, the only emotion that makes its sufferers pine. All classes of human experience envy - the unvirtuous envy the virtuous, those of noble birth envy newcomers, the deformed and illegitimate envy many people around them, and those who frequently snoop in the business of others frequently become envious of those around them. There are very few cures for envy besides removing what makes the envious pine.
Of Love[]
According to Bacon, plays frequently portrays love in an unrealistic way - using them as a comedic foil instead of in the somewhat destructive and harmful way that it sometimes manifests in. Various figures throughout history (from Mark Antony to Paris) have been affected in negative and positive ways by love. Bacon claims that the romantic attitude towards love is a folly. He also states that "wanton love" corrupts mankind while "nuptial" and "friendly" love make and perfect love, respectively.
Of Great Place[]
According to Bacon, those of "great place" are still bound by a series of responsibilities and duties and are largely servants to those ahead of them (usually kings) and their own reputations and business. He wishes that those in positions of power would use their power to bring about lasting good but lists the various ways that a powerful person can fall to his vices while also listing how they can avoid these vices.
Of Boldness[]
According to Bacon, fools are more common than the wise within human nature. Though the bold are frequently able to use this to their advantage, boldness is "the child of ignorance and baseness". This attribute allows those under its spell to use the "miracle of Mahomet" and turn over embarrasing mistakes. Despite this, Bacon says that the bold are somewhat ridiculous and should only be seconds to those who actually rule.
Of Goodness and Goodness of Nature[]
According to Bacon, nature is a system with very fixed laws of alteration which requires human intervention to unfold itself fully. This intervention can be influenced by the good parts of human nature (such as inquiry, knowledge, and belief in truth, which are shown through compassion, forgiveness, and thankfulness) but can also be influenced by the naturally malign parts of human nature (envy, mischief, and antagonism).
Of Nobility[]
According to Bacon, monarchies without nobility are almost always absolute tyrannies. The nobility temper and diminish the power of the monarch while adding majesty to their rule. Conversely, democracies do not require nobles. They are usually quieter and less vitriolic than monarchies, with their people focusing on business important to them instead of the people around them.
Of Sedition and Troubles[]
Bacon claims that the prime causes of "sedition and troubles" are poverty and discontentment with government. Once these causes take root it is extremely difficult to predict when they will flare up. As such, Bacon suggests removing these causes as soon as possible.
Of Atheism[]
According to Bacon, the universe reveals itself to have been made by a creator. Atheism is, to him, a shallow examination of a world which is disproven by further thought. He also claims that the works of "atheistic" philosophers such as Leucippus, Democritus, and Epicurus can be viewed in non-atheistic ways. Bacon also points to various causes of atheism within the masses - divisions within religion, scandalous behaviour amongst priests, "custom of profane scoffing in holy matters", and prosperous times (for according to Bacon, adverse times "do bow men's minds to religion").
Of Superstition[]
According to Bacon, atheistical ages can bring the people living in them to sense and reason while superstition "dismounts all these, and [build] an absolute monarchy, in the minds of men". Superstition has been "the confusion of many states" and while men are ruled by superstition, "wise men follow fools; and arguments are fitted to pratice, in a reversed order". Despite this, Bacon says that some small good can be found in superstition but "without a veil", superstition becomes a deformer.
Of Travel[]
For young people, travel broadens the mind and serves as part of their education. While many travellers in Bacon's day wrote diaries while travelling in the open ocean, Bacon wishes that more wrote travel diaries for their expeditions through land - detailing the various parts of the societies and cultures they visit and the eminent peoples within them.
Of Empire[]
According to Bacon, the life of a king is filled with boredom. As such, many kings have become extremely proficient in skills. Along with this, their troubles are vast and multi-faceted. Wives, children, and prelates can bring about the downfall of their rule. Bacon lists these various threats in detail along with how to deal with them.
Of Counsel[]
According to Bacon, the greatest trust between two people in when one is giving counsel to another. Even princes (who "need not think it any diminution to their greatness, or derogation to their sufficiency, to rely upon counsel") and God himself ("is not without, but hath made it one of the great names of his blessed Son; The Counsellor.") saw the importance of counsel. Though counsel is absolutely important for the rule of kings, it does have its downsides. It can lead to secrets being revealed along with weakening the authority of princes. Along with these, unfaithful counsel is somewhat common. Bacon details the various methods one can use to alleviate these downsides.
Of Delays[]
Bacon advises those who wish to delay matters to not wait too long, for opportunities can slowly lessen and degrade like the offer of the Sibyl of Cumae. As such, one should only wait for the opportune moment before striking with great haste, full force, and nigh-invisibility.
Of Cunning[]
According to Bacon, cunning is commonly taken for a "sinister or crooked wisdom" which is greatly different from wisdom "not only in point of honesty, but in point of ability". Bacon says that cunning people only live in half-truths and lies. They are "fitter for practice, than for counsel" and are extremely narrow-minded. After describing cunning men, Bacon describes their various wares.
Of Wisdom For a Man's Self[]
According to Bacon, those who put wisdom of their own self above all others and put their own interests above all other peoples' are truly depraved and usually destroy themselves while searching for fortune. Their actions are similar to the unusual actions of rats, foxes, and crocodiles.
Of Innovations[]
According to Bacon, new ideas and innovations begin imperfectly formed. Bacon puts forth the idea that these innovations be implemented gradually and asks inventors to avoid putting forth ideas too rapidly. Many people resist new ideas because they are stuck within the past and accustomed to the ideas that sit within it.
Of Dispatch[]
Bacon sets out the most efficient way to write "dispatches". His four maxims are thus: avoid time-wasting frivolry, keep yourself organized, choose the correct moment, and start with what has already been made. This will keep your speeches from becoming "affected".
Of Seeming Wise[]
According to Bacon, there are many people who strive to seem more wise than they actually are. Bacon lists the various methods these people use to hide their simple-mindedness. This includes excessively quoting proverbs to give the appearance of being wise without actually having wisdom, using purposefully obscure and uncommon language, frequently interrupting other people's discussions with their own "knowledge" and opinions, and claiming mastery over subjects which they only have a cursory understanding of. Bacon claims that these people are not actually wise and that true wisdom comes from genuiene understanding and thoughtful analysis along with competent dialogue skills.
Of Friendship[]
Bacon views friendship as being one of the most important parts of a successful life. Friends can be use as a practical tool to help endeavours as they provide honest council, support, and a sense of shared experience. The key to a successful friendship is choosing them carefully based on their character and compatitibility rather than befriending people for your own gains. Along with this, Bacon stresses the importance of quality over quantity when it comes to friends.
Of Expense[]
According to Bacon, excessive extravagance is a graven error and should be avoided as much as possible. One should strive to balance their frugal nature with their desire to generously spend and should only rack up large expenses when it is absolutely necessary.
Of the True Greatness of Kingdoms and Estates[]
Bacon says that governments show their true greatness through the prosperity and education of their people rather than superficial displays of power and military might. The true greatness of a nation is established by truly wise leaders who do not just "fiddle" and who promote sound policies that bring about economic growth, justice, and social stability. He also points out the use of colonies as a source of income for nations but says that they should be responsibly managed.
Of Regiment of Health[]
Bacon states that the best way to keep control of one health is to closely moderate and balance their diet, exercise, and lifestyle. He also suggests that people should keep a close eye on their health rather than only seeking help when they experience drastic illnesses and medical emergencies. Along with this, Bacon suggests that doctors should have a close knowlegde of their patients' lives and bodies.
Of Suspicion[]
According to Bacon, suspicions are something that should be kept in check so that they do not ruin personal relationships (along with the rule of kings, as Bacon says that overly-suspicious rulers quickly become tyrants). The best remedy to burning suspicions is to learn more about whatever is making you suspicious.
Of Discourse[]
Bacon states that discourse is almost an art form. While some people try to "lead the dance" without actually adding to the discourses they take part in, the ideal orator acts as a polite moderator and allows others to speak instead of trying to lead the discussion but should also try to add to the discourse in meaningful and impactful ways. Along with this, Bacon states that good orators should avoid "pernicious" speech about politics and religion.
Of Plantations[]
Bacon views the construction of a "plantation" (or colony) as being like the campaign of a military. Plantations should be maintained by strong authorities and the main purpose of a plantation should be long-term survival rather than quick profit. Along with this, Bacon argues that those who run plantations should keep loose control of native populations (trading with them but not inciting violence), that plantations should be built on healthy land, and that trustworthy farmers should maintain the land instead of criminals.
Of Riches[]
According to Bacon, wealth is better as a necessary evil gained through moral and ethical places than as a driving force for life. Along with this, Bacon says that wealth should be used to enrich society as a whole and criticizes "get rich quick schemes" (such as usury and flattery) for being immoral.
Of Prophecies[]
After listing several historical prophecies (such as those of Homer, Seneca, and Domitian) along with "recent" prophecies (including one he heard many years ago), Bacon launches into a criticism of prophecies. While Bacon has some vague belief in prophetic abilities, he states that they are often unreliable and should be treated with caution and skepticism. Humans very frequently only discover prophetic sayings after the fact and many prophecies are self-fufilling.
Of Ambition[]
Bacon states that ambition is a powerful motivator for both destructive and constructive efforts. On which side it sits within depends on how it is managed. Healthy ambitions are fueled by close and balanced control while unhealthy and uncontrolled ambitions usually cause self-destructive corruption and ruin.
Of Masques and Triumphs[]
According to Bacon, elaborate masques (and indeed masques in general) are meaningless toys with little actual worth and substance. Bacon describes how to bring meaning to these "toys" by improving their aesthetics and carefully cultivating their music and costumes. He also briefly discusses the "antimasque" (which he finds quite interesting).
Of Nature in Men[]
Bacon states that an understanding of the driving forces behind human nature is extremely important for the development of the self. These traits (which usually appear in private moments, when facing new situations, or during moments of extreme emotion) should be carefully studied and the positive traits cultivated while the negative traits are suppressed.
Of Custom and Education[]
According to Bacon, custom is one of the main driving forces in the creation of behaviour. This force is largely fueled by the influences of education early in life and forms many patterns and habits that influence our own actions.
Of Fortune[]
While Bacon states that individuals have some control over their personal fates, he also states that a lot of fortune is driven by the circumstances around them (such as chance, opportunity, and the actions and favours of others). As such, Bacon says that people are largely "hostages to fortune".
Of Usury[]
In this essay, Bacon discusses usury (or lending money at interest). While Bacon believes that it is immoral and that it should be illegal, he also argues that it is better to moderate it than outright ban it. As such, Bacon details how to moderate usury - setting a maximum interest rate and keeping the money gained from usury from simply ending up in the hands of a few people.
Of Youth and Age[]
Bacon claims that both the young and the old have unique strengths and weaknesses and that the ideal approach to life is to balance the strengths of both while avoiding the pitfalls.
Of Beauty[]
According to Bacon, beauty is found in the good actions and graceful movements of others rather than solely in their appearance. A saintly person with a comely face is more beautiful than a devilish person with a beautiful face. As such, beauty is something that must be deciphered over a somewhat long time.
Of Deformity[]
Bacon believes that physical deformities frequently influence the character of the deformed. They seek to compensate for their deformities and the injustice that nature has committed against them and can commit both extremely great and extremely malicious actions due to this. Along with this, Bacon states that the deformed can sometimes overcome societal stigmas but that this is an uphill battle.
Of Building[]
Bacon sets forth his opinions on architecture. According to him, houses should be built for utlity and comfort rather than aesthetics and extravagance. He also says that homes should be built in a suitable climate and environment in which they can adapt.
Of Gardens[]
After detailing his views on architecture, Bacon details his views on gardening by setting forth an ideal garden. He claims that gardens foster pleasure and renewal and that they should be carefully structured with a large selection of different plants to make sure that their beauty is not dependant on the seasons. Along with this, they should based on natural aesthetics rather than ornate and extremely detailed designs and sections.
Of Negotiating[]
According to Bacon, the best way to negotiate is by closely understanding the motivations and character of the other negotiator and to play on them along with remaining patient and slowly revealing facts for your own benefit.
Of Followers and Friends[]
According to Bacon, a small quantity of good friends is better than a large quantity of ignoble followers. He advises those seeking followers to choose the members of their following closely (making sure that they cannot become an unstable band) and that they should not seek guidance from a single follower but should take advice from all of them.
Of Suitors[]
In this essay, Bacon analyzes the dynamics of powerful figures. He says that those in power should seek a balance between flattery and passiveness and aggresiveness and insistence. He also warns them against excessive flattery and self-promotion.
Of Studies[]
According to Bacon, schooling is important not only because it gives one an education but also as a way to expand the horizons of character and to gain judgement and practical abilities. Along with this, Bacon says that students should carefully choose the subjects they study to give them real-world advice and to avoid excessive studying and misguided learning.
Of Faction[]
Bacon sets forth his views on political factions. According to him, factions united by a common goal usually work against the good of society and frequently cause division and corruption. He states that politicians should put the goals of the people against the goals of factions.
Of Ceremonies and Respects[]
According to Bacon, ceremonies are important for the welfare of social order but that the excessive following of ceremonies can completely undo any good will they had and make them completely meaningless. As such, Bacon suggests that ceremonies be balanced.
Of Praise[]
While Bacon acknowledges the positive effects of praise, he also warns of the pitfalls of excessive praise - stating that it can foster vanity and complacency along with distorting self-worth.
Of Vain-glory[]
In this essay, Bacon criticizes those who constantly seek "vain-glory". According to him, these people frequently besmirch their own image by constantly boasting to bolster their image. He also states that those with genuiene merit should not feel the need to flaunt their achievements.
Of Honor and Reputation[]
According to Bacon, honor and fame are gained by doing commiting original or bold actions or by pleasing various disparate groups equally. Those who only seek popularity and those who are of good character but who hide away from the public light will find their search for true fame similarly curtailed. Bacon says that various figures (such as rulers who stop a hostile invasion or bring forth new prosperous land for their kingdoms) are usually subject to fame.
Of Judicature[]
According to Bacon, lawyers should not try to warp the law or actively influence it but should work within its confines. Along with this, they should avoid corruption (viewing themselves as the "lions besides Solomon's throne" instead of actual rulers) and should be wise and impartial.
Of Anger[]
Bacon views anger as an extremely damaging emotion that should be avoided and mitigated. He suggests that people do not allow anger to fester but instead take time to think over their actions and allow their rage to ebb.
Of Vicissitude of Things[]
In this essay, Bacon discusses the nature of change. He puts forth the idea that all things (from politics to nature to fortune and power) are constantly subject to change and that it is a fundamental law of nature. The world is a cyclical place and those in power can find themselves deposed and replaced by the downtrodden.
Of Fame[]
According to Bacon, fame is a double-sided sword. While it can be a powerful driving force for good, it can also lead people to put appearances over true merit. Indeed, the poets of Bacon's day (according to him) frequently described fame as a somewhat monstrous creature.
See also[]
Title | Author | Release date | Significance |
---|---|---|---|
Essais | Michel de Montaigne | 1580 | A collection of essays released in a similar time period. Montaigne is mentioned by Bacon. |
The Prince | Niccolò Machiavelli | 1532 | A work discussing politics released in a similar time period. "Machiavel" is mentioned by Bacon. |
Leviathan | Thomas Hobbes | 1651 | A work discussing politics released in a similar time period. |
New Atlantis | Francis Bacon | 1626 | A Utopian work written by the same author. |
Pensées | Blaise Pascal | 1670 (approx.) | A work discussing religion written in a similar time period. |
Utopia | Thomas More | 1516 | A Utopian work written in a similar time period which discusses the politics and culture of its day |
Areopagitica | John Milton | 1644 | A work on politics and law written in a similar time period. |
Religio Medici | Thomas Browne | 1643 | A work on religion written in a similar time period. |
Some Fruits of Solitude in Reflections and Maxims | Thomas Paine | 1682 | A collection of aphorisms written around the end of the Early Modern era. |
Sources[]
- Wikipedia
- Goodreads