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.
