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Of Custom and Education
by Francis Bacon |
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Men's thoughts, are much according to their inclination; their
discourse and speeches, according to their learning and infused
opinions; but their deeds, are after as they have been accustomed. And
therefore, as Machiavel well noteth (though in an evil-favored
instance), there is no trusting to the force of nature, nor to the
bravery of words, except it be corroborate by custom. His instance is,
that for the achieving of a desperate conspiracy, a man should not
rest upon the fierceness of any man's nature, or his resolute
undertakings; but take such an one, as hath had his hands formerly
in blood. But Machiavel knew not of a Friar Clement, nor a Ravillac,
nor a Jaureguy, nor a Baltazar Gerard; yet his rule holdeth still,
that nature, nor the engagement of words, are not so forcible, as
custom. Only superstition is now so well advanced, that men of the
first blood, are as firm as butchers by occupation; and votary
resolution, is made equipollent to custom, even in matter of blood. In
other things, the predominancy of custom is everywhere visible;
insomuch as a man would wonder, to hear men profess, protest,
engage, give great words, and then do, just as they have done
before; as if they were dead images, and engines moved only by the
wheels of custom. We see also the reign or tyranny of custom, what
it is. The Indians (I mean the sect of their wise men) lay
themselves quietly upon a stock of wood, and so sacrifice themselves
by fire. Nay, the wives strive to be burned, with the corpses of their
husbands. The lads of Sparta, of ancient time, were wont to be
scourged upon the altar of Diana, without so much as queching. I
remember, in the beginning of Queen Elizabeth's time of England, an
Irish rebel condemned, put up a petition to the deputy, that he
might be hanged in a withe, and not in an halter; because it had
been so used, with former rebels. There be monks in Russia, for
penance, that will sit a whole night in a vessel of water, till they
be engaged with hard ice. Many examples may be put of the force of
custom, both upon mind and body. Therefore, since custom is the
principal magistrate of man's life, let men by all means endeavor,
to obtain good customs. Certainly custom is most perfect, when it
beginneth in young years: this we call education; which is, in effect,
but an early custom. So we see, in languages, the tongue is more
pliant to all expressions and sounds, the joints are more supple, to
all feats of activity and motions, in youth than afterwards. For it is
true, that late learners cannot so well take the ply; except it be
in some minds that have not suffered themselves to fix, but have
kept themselves open, and prepared to receive continual amendment,
which is exceeding rare. But if the force of custom simple and
separate, be great, the force of custom copulate and conjoined and
collegiate, is far greater. For there example teacheth, company
comforteth, emulation quickeneth, glory raiseth: so as in such
places the force of custom is in his exaltation. Certainly the great
multiplication of virtues upon human nature, resteth uponsocieties
well ordained and disciplined. For commonwealths, and good
governments, do nourish virtue grown, but do not much mend the
deeds. But the misery is, that the most effectual means, are now
applied to the ends, least to be desired.
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contact: morgan at [email protected] page last modified: thu jan 12 01:37:48 2006 |
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