The greatest error of all the rest is the mistaking or misplacing of the last or farthest end of knowledge: for men have entered into a desire of learning and knowledge, sometimes upon a natural curiosity and inquisitive appetite; sometimes to entertain their minds with variety and delight; sometimes for ornament and reputation; and sometimes to enable them to victory of wit and contradiction; and most times for lucre and profession; and seldom sincerely to give a true account of their gift of reason, to the benefit and use of men: as if there were sought in knowledge a couch whereupon to rest a searching and restless spirit; or a tarrasse, for a wandering and variable mind to walk up and down with a fair prospect; or a tower of state, for a proud mind to raise itself upon; or a fort or commanding ground, for strife and contention; or a shop, for profit or sale; and not a rich storehouse, for the glory of the Creator and the relief of man's estate.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Bacon argues that people often pursue knowledge for wrong reasons like profit or pride instead of for human benefit.
- In plain terms
- We should seek knowledge to help people, not just for money or status.
- What can you take from it?
- Use knowledge for the benefit of humanity.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- What is your true reason for learning?
- How does your knowledge serve others?
Another view
The line between personal gain and public good is often blurry.
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Permalink to quote #19 If a man will begin with certainties, he shall end in doubts; but if he will be content to begin with doubts he shall end in certainties.
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