Of Studies-Francis Bacon-Summary

 Of Studies-Francis Bacon-Summary

About the Author: Francis Bacon was a great philosopher, statesman and essayist. He belonged to Elizabethan Age.

About the Essay- Of Studies

In this essay, Bacon writes about the importance of studying books, enumerating various benefits to the reader. In brief, we may say that studying books, enrich our faculty of mind, makes us wiser than before and it also provide exercise to our mind. In addition to these benefits, the essayist explores several more important points about studying or reading books. Let’s go in detail what the author has to advise us about studying books.

Summary in Detail

In the beginning of this essay, Bacon tells us that study of books serves us with three basic purposes. We study books for delight, for ornamentation in language and for increasing our mental abilities to perceive problems and the world at large. It means that studying books provides the reader entertainment in their leisure time. Secondly, studying books enhances and improves our mental abilities and makes us wiser than before. It also helps us enrich our conversational skills. We become able to think deeply and broadly on a problem and take decision in a better way. Thus, studies provide us with pleasure, knowledge and the enhanced capabilities of mind.

After that, the author warns us against the too much engagement with books. First, it may create laziness and secondly, we may be tempted to use our bookish knowledge in our day-to-day conversation that may irritate the partners in conversation. We may become habitual of judging others on the basis of knowledge we acquired by studying various books. The author terms it the whim of a scholar. It is not advisable for a voracious reader of books to be showy in his knowledge. Bacon also says that natural abilities are the talents that are present in all of us by birth. These are like plants that grow into shrubs if not pruned from time to time. They need pruning to give them proper shape and order. After proper care, the plants look beautiful to us. Similarly, people having different talents need guidance and training to reach a presentable level. Otherwise, many talents shall go waste in the absence of proper guidance and training as we see it happen in village and several parts of cities also.

Bacon further mentions that people have different attitudes towards studies, so, they react differently in this respect. Wicked people opine that wisdom acquired from books prove worthless in front of their cunningness.

 

Simple people admire books, but the wise people use them for their advantage. The writer also advises the reader not to have blind faith about books for the reason that these are written by different people having different points of views towards life. They may reflect their own personal ideas towards life. So, we must keep our judgement alive while studying books. Another point discussed here by Bacon is that we must study books to attain knowledge and logics to counter other people in conversation and discussions. The true aim of studying books is to enrich one’s mind with the wisdom that enables a person to reach such a level that discards all the petty thoughts about prejudice, narrow-mindedness and fanaticism. He uses his wisdom for the betterment of life on the earth.

After that, Bacon presents here very beautiful lines about books: ‘Some books are to be tasted, others to be swallowed and some few to be chewed and digested, that is is some books are to be read but not curiously, and some few to be read wholly and with diligence and attention…”

Baron says that there are different books in the market. Some of them may be very good to read, but many of them may not be good for reading. He means to say that before purchasing a book for reading, one should make a judicious selection. He must select it after reading the book reviews. Only then, the reader should spend his hard earned money.

Bacon says that some books are good to read in parts only. Some books are to be gone through hurriedly. But the books written by well known writers require the reader’s rapt attention and full concentration. We must digest such books and assimilate them in our being. There are some books which need not be read in originals. Those should be read through proxy only; by reading their notes and extracts by others.

Bacon further writes; “Reading maketh a full man; conference a ready man; and writing an exact man.” He means to say that reading hone our mental abilities, our participation in conversation makes us sharp and witty minded and writing makes us a real personality, enabling us to quote facts and figures accurately.

After that, the essayist talks about the impact created by books on human mind. He says that history makes a man wise, poetry witty and mathematics subtle. Similarly, science makes a man profound while philosophy makes him sober and serious.

Baron further mentions that books have also got curative powers. As physical exercises are required to remove physical ailments from human body, mental ailments are also cured by reading relevant books. Mathematics enhances concentration; the study of law makes a man skilled in logic and reading philosophy makes him sober as already has been mentioned. If a man is unable to find differences, Bacon suggests to him to read the philosophy of the middle Ages. If a man suffers from the lack of reasoning, he should study law cases. Thus Bacon tells us that studying books are necessary for mental exercises.

 

 

 

 

 

Improved Version:

Of Studies – Francis Bacon – Summary

About the Author

Francis Bacon was a renowned philosopher, statesman, and essayist. He belonged to the Elizabethan Age and is considered one of the pioneers of the English essay.

About the Essay – Of Studies

In this essay, Bacon discusses the importance of studying books, highlighting their numerous benefits. In essence, reading enriches the mind, enhances wisdom, and serves as an intellectual exercise. Beyond these fundamental advantages, Bacon explores several key aspects of reading and studying. Let’s examine his insights in detail.

Summary in Detail

At the beginning of the essay, Bacon explains that studying books serves three primary purposes: delight, ornamentation, and ability. Books provide pleasure in leisure time, enhance one’s language and conversational skills, and sharpen the intellect, allowing individuals to analyze problems and make better decisions. Thus, studies offer enjoyment, knowledge, and intellectual refinement.

However, Bacon warns against excessive indulgence in reading. Over-immersion in books can lead to laziness, overuse of bookish knowledge in conversation (which may irritate others), and an inclination to judge people based on acquired learning. He criticizes scholars who display their knowledge in a showy manner, calling it a mere whim.

Bacon also emphasizes the need for practical application of knowledge. He compares natural talents to wild plants that require pruning. Just as plants need careful trimming to grow in an orderly manner, human abilities require training and discipline. Without proper guidance, natural talents may go to waste, which is often seen in rural areas and underprivileged sections of society.

Further, Bacon observes that different people have varied attitudes toward learning:

• Cunning individuals dismiss wisdom, believing their craftiness surpasses acquired knowledge.
• Simple people admire books without questioning their contents.
• Wise individuals use knowledge effectively for practical purposes.

He advises readers to be discerning while reading because books reflect the personal perspectives of their authors. Thus, one must engage with books critically rather than accepting everything at face value.

Another famous idea Bacon presents is that different books should be approached in different ways:

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

By this, he means that:

• Some books should be read lightly or in parts.
• Others can be read quickly for general understanding.
• A select few should be studied deeply with full attention and reflection.

Bacon also suggests that certain books need not be read in their original form; their summaries or extracts may suffice. Before choosing a book, he advises making a careful selection, preferably based on reviews, to ensure its worthiness.

Another notable quote from the essay is:

"Reading maketh a full man; conference a ready man; and writing an exact man."

This means that:

• Reading broadens knowledge.
• Discussion sharpens wit and quick thinking.
• Writing enhances precision and clarity of thought.

Bacon also discusses the transformative power of books. He claims that different disciplines cultivate different mental faculties:

• History makes a person wise.
• Poetry sharpens wit.
• Mathematics enhances precision.
• Science deepens understanding.
• Philosophy promotes depth and seriousness of thought.

Furthermore, Bacon asserts that books have curative effects on the mind. Just as physical exercise helps maintain bodily health, reading helps in overcoming intellectual weaknesses. For instance:

• Mathematics strengthens concentration.
• Law sharpens reasoning skills.
• Philosophy fosters depth of thought.
• Medieval philosophy helps those struggling with distinguishing subtle differences.
• Legal case studies aid those lacking reasoning skills.

Conclusion

Bacon’s Of Studies is a timeless essay that underscores the value of reading, the correct approach to studying books, and the necessity of applying knowledge wisely. He emphasizes that true learning is not about superficial display but about deep comprehension and practical wisdom that contribute to personal and societal betterment.