essays

Francis Bacon

Biography

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Essays by

Of praise

There be so many false points of praise, that a man may justly hold it a suspect.

Of simulation and dissimulation

The best composition and temperature, is to have openness in fame and opinion; secrecy in habit; dissimulation in seasonable use; and a power to feign, if there be no remedy.

Of studies

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

Of truth

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.

Of vicissitude of things

In the youth of a state, arms do flourish; in the middle age of a state, learning; and then both of them together for a time; in the declining age of a state, mechanical arts and merchandize.