“But it is not only the difficulty and labor which men take in finding out of truth, nor again that when it is found it imposeth upon men's thoughts, that doth bring lies in favor; but a natural though corrupt love of the lie itself.”

English philosopher and statesman of the 17th century, Bacon is best known for his essays on human nature, ethics, and the limits of knowledge. His work *Essays* remains foundational for reflective writing on experience, reason, and virtue.