“We are much beholden to Machiavelli and others, that write what men do, and not what they ought to do . For it is not possible to join serpentine wisdom with the columbine innocency, except men know exactly all the conditions of the serpent; his baseness and going upon his belly, his volubility and lubricity, his envy and sting, and the rest; that is, all forms and natures of evil. For without this, virtue lieth open and unfenced. Nay, an honest man can do no good upon those that are wicked, to reclaim them, without the help of the knowledge of evil.”

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About Francis Bacon

English philosopher and statesman

Francis Bacon, 1st Viscount St Alban, was an English philosopher and statesman. He served as Attorney General and Lord Chancellor of England under King James I, and he is best known for his role in shaping early modern thought. Bacon argued for the importance of natural philosophy and for inquiry guided by the scientific method. His writings remained influential throughout the Scientific Revolution, especially for their emphasis on disciplined observation and the study of nature.

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Books by Francis Bacon

Nova Atlantis

2007

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The advancement of learning

2006

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Essays

2007

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Francis Bacon

1973

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Novum organum

2000

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