But 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. β¨ Francis Bacon (1765). The works of Francis Bacon, Baron of Verulam, Viscount St. Alban, and Lord High Chancellor of England, in five volumes, p.81
More Author Quotes
- The Idols of Tribe have their foundation in human nature itself, and in the tribe or race of men. For it is a false assertion that the sense of man is the measure of things. On the contrary, all perc β¦ βΆ
- Half of science is putting forth the right questions.
- The only hope [of science] ... is in genuine induction.
- It is not the lie that passeth through the mind, but the lie that sinketh in and settleth in it, that doth the hurt. β¨ 'Essays' (1625) 'Of Truth'
- Brutes by their natural instinct have produced many discoveries, whereas men by discussion and the conclusions of reason have given birth to few or none. β¨ Novum Organum LXXIII
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