Cover of Bacon's Essays, and Wisdom of the Ancients

Bacon's Essays, and Wisdom of the Ancients

  • Free to read
  • 8 hours to read
  • 46 chapters
  • Reading level: 10th to 12th grade

"Bacon's Essays and Wisdom of the Ancients" by Francis Bacon is a philosophical treatise written in the early 17th century. This work is a collection of Bacon's well-known essays that explore moral and civil themes, interwoven with his reflections on human nature and knowledge, alongside his interpretations of classical wisdom. Bacon's essays are characterized by their concise and aphoristic style, offering insights rooted in empirical observation and practical experience. The opening of this volume provides background on the historical context of Bacon's essays and emphasizes their significance in the evolution of Western thought. It outlines the development of the essays from their first publication in 1597, through various editions that expanded their scope and depth. The preface illustrates Bacon's intention to reflect on human experience and moral philosophy, while the "Wisdom of the Ancients" section delves into mythological bases and fables, interpreting them as valuable lessons on human behavior and societal norms. Overall, the beginning sets the stage for a collection that aims to blend civil wisdom with practical morality, encouraging readers to reflect on their own lives through Bacon's insightful observations.

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  • English essays · Early modern, 1500-1700
  • Mythology, Classical
  • Bacon, Francis, 1561-1626

Read the opening

Essays; or, Counsels Civil and Moral

NO.

1. Of Truth 1625; 57

2. Of Death 1612; enlarged 1625 62

3. Of Unity in Religion; Of Religion 1612; rewritten 1625 65

4. Of Revenge 1625; 73

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Contents

Show all 46 chapters
  1. Essays; or, Counsels Civil and Moral
  2. Appendix to Essays
  3. Fra. Bacon
  4. Fr. St. Alban
  5. The Same in English
  6. Fr. S. Alban
  7. Wisdom of the Ancients
  8. Francis Bacon
  9. Essays
  10. Advancement of Learning
  11. De Sapientia Veterum
  12. Instauratio Magna
  13. Life of Henry Vii
  14. Letters
  15. Miscellaneous Papers
  16. Essays
  17. Appendix to Essays
  18. Preface
  19. Explained of Too Free and Unseasonable Advice
  20. Explained of Rebellion
  21. Explained of Base Court Officers
  22. Explained of Natural Philosophy
  23. Explained of the Preparation and Conduct Necessary to War
  24. Explained of Court Favorites
  25. Explained of Public Detraction
  26. Explained of Natural and Moral Philosophy
  27. Explained of the Creation, or Origin of All Things
  28. Explained of Matter and Its Changes
  29. Explained of the Fatal Precipitancy of Youth
  30. Explained of Predominant Passions
  31. Explained of Submission and Abjection
  32. Explained of the Corpuscular Philosophy
  33. Explained of Persecution, or Zeal for Religion
  34. Explained of Arts and Artists in Kingdoms and States
  35. Explained of a Useful Hint in Natural Philosophy
  36. Explained of the Reverses of Fortune
  37. Explained of War by Invasion
  38. Explained of the Passions
  39. Explained of the Contest Betwixt Art and Nature
  40. Explained of an Overruling Providence, and of Human Nature
  41. Explained of Mediocrity in Natural and Moral Philosophy
  42. Explained of the Sciences
  43. Explained of the Spirit Included in Natural Bodies
  44. Explained of Princes and Their Council
  45. Explained of Men’s Passion for Pleasures
  46. Footnotes

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About this edition

This free edition of Bacon's Essays, and Wisdom of the Ancients by Francis Bacon comes from Project Gutenberg eBook #56463, released 2018-01-29. It is in the public domain in the United States, so you can read it here in full at no cost, on any phone, tablet or computer. Genre: Essays, Letters & Speeches, Classics of Literature, British Literature, Philosophy & Ethics.

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