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Francis Bacon
1551 - 1626 |
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He that is only real, had need have exceeding great parts of virtue;
as the stone had need to be rich, that is set without foil. But if a
man mark it well, it is, in praise and commendation of men, as it is
in gettings and gains: for the proverb is true, That light gains
make heavy purses; for light gains come thick, whereas great, come but
now and then. So it is true, that small matters win great
commendation, because they are continually in use and in note: whereas
the occasion of any great virtue, cometh but on festivals. Therefore
it doth much add to a man's reputation, and is (as Queen Isabella
said) like perpetual letters commendatory, to have good forms. To
attain them, it almost sufficeth not to despise them; for so shall a
man observe them in others; and let him trust himself with the rest.
For if he labor too much to express them, he shall lose their grace;
which is to be natural and unaffected. Some men's behavior is like a
verse, wherein every syllable is measured; how can a man comprehend
great matters, that breaketh his mind too much, to small observations?
Not to use ceremonies at all, is to teach others not to use them
again; and so diminisheth respect to himself; especially they be not
to be omitted, to strangers and formal natures; but the dwelling
upon them, and exalting them above the moon, is not only tedious,
but doth diminish the faith and credit of him that speaks. And
certainly, there is a kind of conveying, of effectual and imprinting
passages amongst compliments, which is of singular use, if a man can
hit upon it. Amongst a man's peers, a man shall be sure of
familiarity; and therefore it is good, a little to keep state. Amongst
a man's inferiors one shall be sure of reverence; and therefore it
is good, a little to be familiar. He that is too much in anything,
so that he giveth another occasion of satiety, maketh himself cheap.
To apply one's self to others, is good; so it be with demonstration,
that a man doth it upon regard, and not upon facility. It is a good
precept generally, in seconding another, yet to add somewhat of
one's own: as if you will grant his opinion, let it be with some
distinction; if you will follow his motion, let it be with
condition; if you allow his counsel let it be with alleging further
reason. Men had need beware, how they be too perfect in compliments;
for be they never so sufficient otherwise, their enviers will be
sure to give them that attribute, to the disadvantage of their greater
virtues. It is loss also in business, to be too full of respects, or
to be curious, in observing times and opportunities. Solomon saith, He
that considereth the wind, shall not sow, and he that looketh to the
clouds, shall not reap. A wise man will make more opportunities,
than he finds. Men's behavior should be, like their apparel, not too
strait or point device, but free for exercise or motion.
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contact: morgan at [email protected] page last modified: thu jan 12 01:37:48 2006 |
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