In this essay Bacon describes the importance of studies in human life. Bacon
begins the essay by enlisting three purposes of studies – “to delight, for
ornament and for ability.” Studies delight most when one is secluded and
reposed. Knowledge acquired through studies serve as ornament in a
conversation. A well read man will have a good vocabulary and greater knowledge
which will increase the worth of a conversation. Studies improve one’s
judgmental and authoritative abilities. Ordinary men can no doubt go about their
daily business without difficulty but a learned man will do so with higher
efficiency. Bacon however says that studying too much is a sign of laziness and
using too many ornaments while conversing makes one look pretentious. To make
judgments only on the basis of rules is the eccentricity of a scholar.
Studies make a man perfect. Studying is not an inborn talent; it is
acquired. The natural abilities of man are to be enhanced by studies just like
the growth of plants is enhanced by trimming. Studies provide both direction
and experience. Practical men often condemn studies but wise men use it.
Studies teach man to learn from observation. One must not use knowledge as a
means of contradiction or confutation. Studies must also not be used to believe
or to take for granted, or to talk and discourse but “to weigh and consider”.
Then Bacon speaks about the different ways in which different books are
to be read. He says – “Some books are to be tasted, others to be swallowed, and
some few to be chewed and digested.” This means some books are to be perused
lightly, that is, tasted while some other books are to be understood and
enjoyed, that is, swallowed. On the other hand certain books are to be
digested, that it, to fully extract their meaning and implemented in one’s
life. Therefore some books are to be read only in parts, others are to be read
with less curiosity, and some books are to be read with attention and
diligence. Bacon however also says that sometimes it may be enough to read
extracts or reviews of books made by others instead of reading the whole book
by oneself. But according to Bacon this is to be done only in case of books of
less importance. He considers these “distilled books” to distilled waters which
he calls “flashy things”.
Reading makes a man complete, conversation makes a man quick and witty,
and writing improves the memory. If a man writes less he will lack a good
memory, if he speaks little he will lack wit and presence of mind, and if he
reads less he will not have much knowledge.
A study of history makes a man wise while a study of poetry makes him witty.
Mathematics makes a man exact and precise and natural philosophy increases the
depth of the mind. Morals make a man grave whereas a study of logic and
rhetoric makes him more comprehensive. Studies pass into character. A man’s
character is influenced and defined by the type of books he reads.
There is no disease of the mind that cannot be cured by proper study.
Bowling is good for the bladder and the kidneys, shooting for the lungs and
breast, walking for the stomach and riding is good for the head. Similarly
mathematics is the remedy for a wandering mind because if a man’s mind wanders
while solving a problem he will have to begin again. If a man is unable to make
distinctions he must study schoolmen and if he is not quick in passing through
matters he should study the law. Thus Bacon concludes the essay by establishing
that for every deficit of the mind a remedy is to be found in studies.
