Of Human Ends in Bacon’s Essayes

Abstract

F ortunate indeed has been the career of Sir Francis Bacon’s collection titled, The Essayes or Counsels, Civill and Moral . It has remained in continuous demand, and hence in print, for over four centuries. It has occupied the attention of a host of readers, interpreters, and editors who have variously been entranced, baffled, and repulsed by what they take to be their author’s intended meaning. It is highly likely that Bacon would not have been surprised by all this; rather, he would have taken it all in stride. The many formulations of his intentions, expectations, and method that he has left scattered throughout his writings testify to a consummately self-conscious and self-assured author. We readers in turn are obliged to thank him for instructing and guiding us in how to approach his work. Serpentine as his mind might be, he is forthright at least in this respect. And so, if my experience in reading any essay of his is beset with uncertainties and mixed messages, if I find myself compelled to retrace my steps and ponder the force of any particular assertion, I ought at least to be open to the thought that all this was by Bacon’s design. These keywords were added by machine and not by the authors. This process is experimental and the keywords may be updated as the learning algorithm improves.

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