OF STUDIES:

Central to any humanities education is knowing how and when to apply what one has learned.
Justification of the humanities would be necessary even if we lived in an age in which the value
of a true liberal arts education was widely known. I say this because much of what passes for
liberal arts today is deeply ideological and based in pseudo-disciplines. A true liberal arts
education, based in the trivium (grammar, logic, and rhetoric) and emphasizing an understanding
of and appreciation for the great classics, aims at the excellence of the individual. Francis Bacon
(1561–1626), being one of the most important writers for any student of the humanities to study,
should be part of the basic curriculum. Among his writings, his Essays offer an immensely
practical understanding of the humanities. Among his essays, Of Studies is perhaps the greatest.
What is the value of studying in the liberal arts? Francis Bacon offers an utterly compelling
answer. This article will be an analysis of what I would argue is one of the most important essays
ever written.

“Studies serve for delight, for ornament, and for ability. Their chief use for delight, is in
privateness and retiring; for ornament, is in discourse; and for ability, is in the judgment, and
disposition of business.”
Beginning with a tripartite explanation of why studies are useful, Bacon opens by addressing the
various reasons one may avail himself to lessons. Bacon uses the term ‘studies’ to refer to
wisdom and authority conferred through books to the reader. A close reading of the first line
reveals, not just a trinity, but the verb ‘serve.’ That is, studies are in the service of these options.
Studies have instrumental value in aiding those who read for enjoyment, those who wish to
improve the quality of their manner of speaking, and those who wish to improve the value they
bring to the marketplace. Reading for pleasure allows one to develop an appreciation for great
writing. Reading for ornament allows one to think and speak with greater clarity. Reading for
business allows one to rise to the top of his/her respected industry. Indeed, one should observe
the vocabularies of Fortune 500 CEOs. An expansive vocabulary allows on to express ideas with
greater subtlety and actually become smarter over time. Intelligence, along with
conscientiousness, will allow one to rise to the tops of hierarchies. Studies prove immensely
valuable in such endeavors.
“For expert men can execute, and perhaps judge of particulars, one by one; but the general
counsels, and the plots and marshalling of affairs, come best, from those that are learned. To
spend too much time in studies is sloth; to use them too much for ornament, is affectation; to
make judgment wholly by their rules, is the humor of a scholar.”
When Francis Bacon refers to ‘expert men,’ he means people with practical experience but not
necessarily a formal education in abstract reasoning. Hence, his emphasis on judging particulars.
One many happen upon abstract principles strictly through practical experience but, as Bacon
wisely councils, knowledge of abstract principles allows for greater efficiency. Intelligence is not
merely the ability to comprehend greater degrees of complexity. Speed is also a key component.
In a competitive environment, speed is an asset. Knowledge of relevant abstract principles are a
must. I must go on a bit of a digression here. This concerns the dismal way history has been
taught for quite a while now. History teachers who focus on names and dates are not teaching
true history. Such teachers do not justice to the field by taxing their students’ minds with
memorizing little bits of trivia. Focusing on general themes as well as having students read the
classics and write as often as possible are the best ways to promote individual excellence and

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instill in them a sense of awe and appreciation for the field. This is why we need Classical
Humanism in the twenty-first century.
In this portion of the essay, Bacon addresses problems with the three categories introduced at the
outset. Spending too much time studying leads to lack of productivity. Studies have only
potential power in themselves. They must be applied toward practical ends. Here, it would be
prudent to remember words of wisdom from Ralph Waldo Emerson: “An ounce of action is
worth a ton of theory.” Using studies for ornament in the present day is perhaps best exemplified
by the postmodernists. Lacan, in particular, loved obscurantism. Quite frankly, his writing makes
him sound like a pretentious hipster. Bacon warns against such vanity. Love of sounding
intelligent (especially in cases where there is nothing beyond the façade) leads to intellectual
conceit. Bacon notes one other major problem: ‘to make judgment wholly by their rules.’ Here,
he is rejecting the subjugation of humanity to reason. We use reason to improve out lot in life
(both individually and as a society). Plato and others have tried to argue that reason must reign
supreme (see Plato’s Phaedrus). Plato used the analogy of the chariot whereby the charioteer
represents reason and the horses represent the passions. The charioteer’s goal is to maintain
control (this feeds into Plato’s larger argument that the soul works best when reason is in
charge). Modern psychology has pretty much shattered the naïve goal of placing reason in charge
of the passions. If we were to ‘make judgments’ wholly by the rules of abstract principles, we
would feel terribly constrained. Reason is the servant of the passions, but a persuasive and
stubborn one.
“They perfect nature, and are perfected by experience: for natural abilities are like natural
plants, that need proyning, by study; and studies themselves, do give forth directions too much
at large, except they be bounded in by experience.”
Here, Francis Bacon emphasizes the reciprocal relationship between studies and experience.
They buttress each other much like the two sides of an arch. Leonardo da Vinci once said “The
arch is nothing else than a force originated by two weaknesses, for the arch in buildings is
composed of two segments of a circle, each of which being very weak in itself tends to fall; but
as each opposes this tendency in the other, the two weaknesses combine to form one
strength.”[1] Similarly, studies and experience may escape from their own deficiencies through
mutual reinforcement. That the particulars can be understood within an abstract framework and
the abstract framework be grounded in practical experience.
“Crafty men contemn studies, simple men admire them, and wise men use them; for they
teach not their own use; but that is a wisdom without them, and above them, won by
observation. Read not to contradict and confute; nor to believe and take for granted; nor to
find talk and discourse; but to weigh and consider. Some books are to be tasted, others to be
swallowed, and some few to be chewed and digested; that is, some books are to be read only in
parts; others to be read, but not curiously; and some few to be read wholly, and with diligence
and attention. Some books also may be read by deputy, and extracts made of them by others;
but that would be only in the less important arguments, and the meaner sort of books, else
distilled books are like common distilled waters, flashy things.”
Francis Bacon addresses responses to studies (again in a trinity). The tripartite elements in this
essay allow for both efficiency and complexity, thus allowing Bacon the liberty to expatiate
when necessary but not so as to stray from the purpose of the essay. By ‘crafty men,’ Bacon
means practical men with an acrimonious disposition toward formal studies. Such men tend lack
the necessary foresight to realize the value of studies. On the other hand, simple men merely
admire studies and those whom they perceive to be intelligent. The value of studies is in their

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utility. That must be the focus. In the latter portion of this section of the essay, Bacon gives
advice on how to read. Given the seemingly infinite number of printed materials in the world
today, one must focus on quality. With regard to education, quality can be determined for a select
number of works published from ancient times to about a century before the present. These
works, the Great Classics, have stood up to generations of the best critics, have made a
significant impact, and have influenced other great works. Other, not so great, works can be read
with greater brevity or via secondary sources. In other words, life is too short to be reading the
ideological garbage produced by the likes of Judith Butler. Focus on the great works of Francis
Bacon, Leonardo da Vinci, Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, and Fyodor Dostoyevsky instead!
“Reading maketh a full man; conference a ready man; and writing an exact man. And
therefore, if a man write little, he had need have a great memory; if he confer little, he had
need have a present wit: and if he read little, he had need have much cunning, to seem to
know, that he doth not. Histories make men wise; poets witty; the mathematics subtile; natural
philosophy deep; moral grave; logic and rhetoric able to contend. Abeunt studia in mores.
Nay, there is no stond or impediment in the wit, but may be wrought out by fit studies; like as
diseases of the body, may have appropriate exercises. Bowling is good for the stone and reins;
shooting for the lungs and breast; gentle walking for the stomach; riding for the head; and
the like. So if a man’s wit be wandering, let him study the mathematics; for in demonstrations,
if his wit be called away never so little, he must begin again. If his wit be not apt to distinguish
or find differences, let him study the Schoolmen; for they are cymini sectores. If he be not apt
to beat over matters, and to call up one thing to prove and illustrate another, let him study 197
the lawyers’ cases. So every defect of the mind, may have a special receipt.”
This last section of the essay basically reinforces what Bacon has been going over in the other
parts. Here, he breaks down ‘studies’ and notes their practical values. He stresses disciplining the
mind and how studies can aid in the process.

Francis Bacon is one of the greatest writers of English prose.  His earliest work of importance
was the Essays. The language is simple, brief and clear. As Bacon says, “his essays are to be
chewed and digested”. Bacon explains that there are three uses of study. We get three types of
benefits from studies.
1. First, it gives us delight.  In our leisure time and in privacy, we can spend our time
reading books, which give us both enjoyment and education. 
2. Secondly, reading helps us to speak and communicate with people more efficiently.
3. Thirdly, studies help us to deal with our problems of life more effectively. We can make
good judgement of matters and issues. Studies help professional experts to deal
successfully with particular cases. 

Study has some disadvantages. Spending too much time reading books will make a man lazy. 
Another disadvantage is that those who study too much may make a show of their learning. This
affectation should be avoided.  Again our too much study of books may develop in us a
tendency to separate studies from their practical application in day to day life.  The scholar
should avoid such bad tendencies. This bookish knowledge should be guided by experience of
life.  Practical experience helps us to apply them to real life situations. There are cunning and
crafty people who think that they need not want practical experience of life. Simple people
admire book learning. But wise men use studies and apply them to life situations.

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Bacon prescribes some rules of study. We should not read just to contradict or argue with
others.  We should not blindly believe whatever we study in the books. We should keep an open
mind. Bacon wants lovers of books to use their critical judgement and to evaluate impartially
opinions of the authors.

According to Bacon, all books are not to be read in the same manner. There are different
types of books and Bacon tells us how we may approach each type of book. There are some
books to be read in parts, so we may skip through the pages.  Some books are to be read
completely.  But these books need not be studied well. We can read them for our curiosity. But
some other books are to be studied carefully and digested, because their form and content are
very important and useful for us in our practical life. Again some other books are to be read by
deputies because the matter is very little.

Now Bacon tells us how studies cure the diseases of our mind.  Reading makes a person up-
to-date.  Every subject has its’ own value for the reader.  History helps us to enhance our
wisdom. Poetry makes us imaginative.  Mathematics helps to acquire subtlety.  Natural
philosophy makes us deep. On the other hand, moral philosophy gives us gravity.  Logic and
rhetoric promote the power of debate and argument. Thus studies reform our character and
make us more civilized. Studies can cure diseases of mind just as physical exercises cure defects
of the body.  For example bowling is good for kidneys.  Shooting for the lungs and walking for
digestion.  Similarly mathematics is a strong cure for mind wandering.  Scholastic philosophy is
good for muddle thinking.  The study of law is an effective medicine for bad memory.
Questions
What according to Bacon is the use of studies? -   1st paragraph
How does Bacon show the abuse or disadvantage of studies? – 2nd paragraph
How does Bacon emphasize the value of experience?     -          2nd paragraph
What rules of study does Bacon prescribe?   -  3rd paragraph
Write a note on the different types of books - 4th paragraph
How do studies cure the diseases of the mind?  - 5th paragraph
“Of Studies” is one of the most quoted essays of Sir Francis Bacon. He has analyzed the
importance of studies; therefore, in this essay, he convinces his readers to know its vitality. He
does not only talk about bookish knowledge but also demonstrates the importance of
experience; without experience, the studies cannot help a person, means Sir Francis Bacon.
Moreover, in his eyes, studies and education are two separate things. However, he agrees that
education is the name of studying books and experiences of life. He answers some common
questions that arise in every common mind. For instance, he answers why we should read
books; what are the impacts of studies in one’s life; why study without experience is useless;
and many other such like questions.
He elaborates each assertion through either reference or example. Style of the author is simple
but his arguments are much effective. Further, he uses concise sentences, similes, and Latin
phrases to strengthen his stance.

Three Types of studies in the Eyes of Sir Francis Bacon:

From the very beginning of the essay, Sir Francis Bacon divides studies into three categories; in
fact, these three types are benefits of studies. Studies serve three purposes, says Sir Francis
Bacon, “delight”, “ornament” and “ability”.

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  In Bacon’s times, the drama was banned; drama may have a moral purpose but it is
certainly a source of entertainment. It was forbidden in that era; therefore, people had no
other option except to rely upon books; thus, books replaced stage. From that point of
view, if we think, then books are the source of entertainment. It may be the reason that
Bacon has used the word “delight”. From modern views, there are still people in the
world, who find delight in books instead of movies and plays.
 However, in next lines, he has explained the word “delight” while saying, “their chief
use for delight, is in privateness and retiring”. Hence, only words are different but the
purpose is same i.e. entertainment.
 The second purpose that studies serve is “ornaments”. A person, after learning from
books, can present himself in a good manner. Studies also help a person learn etiquettes.
His societal impression is improved and he becomes wise in the eyes of people.
However, Bacon has used only one word to explain, “Ornament” i.e. “discourse”.
Thereby, studies increase the speaking power of a person but the word “discourse” also
needs explanation. It has many meanings; discourse has different types; romantic,
professional, religious, motivational, debate etc. Nevertheless, considering in view the
worldly approach of the author, he may have used it as a professional speaking power or
perhaps, he is talking about impressive discourse in every field of life whether it is
profession, religion or romance.
 Elaboration of the third purpose of studies, according to Sir Francis Bacon is “judgment
and disposition of business”. It is somewhat professional. Studies can help a person in
dealing with business matters. Thereby, studies support a person in professional life. Sir
Francis Bacon has also used the word “judgment” to infer that studies enhance mental
eyesight of a person. His vision becomes strong and he takes quick as well as accurate
decisions in business matters.
Experience is the Key Factor:
All three purposes are useless without experience, says Bacon. Too much study for “delight”
makes a person lazy; ornamentation makes him highlight; similarly, cramming bundle of rules
from books does not increase his ability nor does it help him enhancing his thinking capacity.
Everyone has natural abilities and studies make them perfect but along with studies, the
experience is also required to gain perfection. It actually improves the mentality of a person. In
order to elaborate it further, Bacon uses similes, which are worth mentioning:-
“the natural abilities are like natural plants, that need proyning by study; and studies
themselves do give forth directions too much at large, except they be bounded in by
experience.”
Sir Francis Bacon
Hence, studies show a person thousands of paths to walk but experience helps choosing the
right one. Additionally, different types of men see studies differently; some people do not give
studies any value; some appreciate them; but wise are those, who perfectly use them.
Why and What Kind of Books should We Study?
After describing the importance of study, Francis Bacon gives his own opinions, “read….to
weigh and consider”. A person should not read books to win over a debate or to oppose
arguments of others; nor should he read to believe on each and everything written in the book;
rather he should study books to know the difference between right and wrong. Moreover, not
every book is worth reading. He divides books, too, into three categories; “tasted”,
“swallowed”, and “chewed and digested”. “Tasted” books are those, which require no special

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attention. A reader just needs to go through them; books that come in the category of
“swallowed” need a little attention. Category, “Chewed and digested” is self-explanatory. These
kinds of books need the full concentration of the readers. Each word and every line should be
chewed completely and then digested.
Some Subjects and Their Purposes:
If a person has a habit of reading books then Bacon guarantees improvement in his
temperament. If he is used to exchanging dialogues then his wit is going to be enhanced. Above
all, if he reads books and then writes down every important suggestion or advice then this
method will definitely increase his intellectuality. Francis Bacon, at the end of the essay, creates
a list of different subjects and sorts them by their benefits. Here is the list of books and their
benefits:-
1. History increases wisdom.
2. Poetry enhances imagination.
3. Mathematics makes a person subtle.
4. Philosophy deepens thinking.
5. Logic and rhetoric help to contend.
Thus, a person needs to study the relevant subject as per his choice or requirement. If he wants
wisdom, history can help him. If he wants imaginative powers, his concern should be poetry.
Similarly, mathematics, philosophy, and logic serve their specific purposes. In Bacon’s eyes, a
person can improve himself as much as he can; he just needs to focus. He actually wants to say
that, “reading is to the mind what exercise is to the body”. With body, the mind also needs
exercise; therefore, every person needs to do an exercise of the mind; he can do it by studying
books.
Conclusion of “Of Studies” by Sir Francis Bacon: 
The whole essay proves the intellectuality of Sir Francis Bacon. It is full of wisdom. Every line,
written by the author, is philosophically rich. His philosophy is definitely praiseworthy.
Moreover, he is called the father of English prose not only because of his deep philosophy but
also because of his writing style. He uses exact words to summarize his viewpoint. He tries to
demonstrate his thinking in concise words. This essay is well knitted. There is no denying the
fact that “Of Studies” is the pure creation of Sir Francis Bacon. In short, this essay is enough to
regard him as the father of English prose.
OF STUDIES
GO

OF STUDIES BY FRANCIS BACON SUMMARY

CONTENTS
“Studies serve for delight, ornament, and for ability”.
Francis Bacon gives account of three chief uses of studies. The first use is that they serve for
delight. This delight may come in solitude or in leisure after retirement from active life.
Secondly, they serve for ornament in communication, conversation and discourse. A person
who is well read can talk more attractively than an uneducated person. The third use of studies
is they help in the judgement, and disposition of business.
An expert man can judge matters one by one when they come face by face to him and he
executes them according to his experience. However, this is not the case with an educated man.

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He can give counsels at any situation according to his knowledge and thus, learned men are best
at marshalling of affairs.
Studies, however, have their limitations. If too much time is spent at studies it nothing more
than sloth. If they are used excessively in conversation, they show exaggeration and posing of a
person. And if a scholar makes each and every judgement of his life with the help of his
knowledge, it is just foolish and humorous behavior of the scholar.
Studies perfect nature. Furthermore, they are perfected by experience. Bacon compares natural
abilities of a man with a natural tree that needs proyning that comes by study. Studies have a
vast scope, it is icing on the cake if experience is also added with them.
Bacon says,
“Crafty men contemn studies, simple men admire them, and wise men use them”.
The men who are hard workers or primitive men hate or contemn studies. However, the men
who have simple wits admire them. Moreover, the men who are wise use them practically.
Studies do not teach their own use. It is the wisdom of a person that teaches him their usage.
Bacon is of the view that a man should not read to contradict and confute others; he should not
believe and rely wholly on words; nor to find a point of discussion in conversation; but he
should read to weigh them their value and use them. The writer further supports this argument
in the following statement,
“Some books are to be tasted, others to be swallowed, and some few to be chewed and
digested”.
There are some books that are to be read only in parts because they are useful for a person only
at some places. It is not worthy to read them word by word. On contrary, there are some books
that are to be read not with curiosity; and some are to be read completely with attention and
diligence because they require the full attention of the reader. Moreover, this category of books
has treasures hidden in them that can be found only by reader’s diligence. There is another
category ‘like common distilled waters’ i.e ‘distilled books’, these books are extracts made from
other books and compiled in another book. These are the meaner sort of books.
Bacon says a million dollars verses,
“Reading maketh a full man; conference a ready man; and writing an exact man”.
It is reading that adds to the knowledge of a man and makes him complete in a sense of his wit.
Undoubtedly, it is conversation with others that makes a man ready for any sort of step to be
taken practically on behalf of his knowledge. Furthermore, it is the skill of comprehensive or
innovative writing that makes a full man because man is created to do wonders, make
innovations and generate new ideas.
Moreover, the writer describes some facts about studies. He says if a man writes little than he
needs to have a great memory to remember all the learned things. If a man interacts little he
needs to have a present and sharp wit; and if a man read little, he should be cunning to know
what he does not.
Bacon impresses reader through his comprehensive and great sayings. He says,
“Histories make men wise; pots witty; the mathematics subtile; natural philosophy deep; moral
grave; logic and rhetoric able to contend”.
The about stated couple of lines contains an ocean of meaning in it. Bacon says that it is history
of ancients that makes new generations wise and witty. These are rules and laws stated by the
ancients that make mathematics subtile in its nature. It is because of histories that philosophy
has deeper meanings and logic and rhetoric are able to defend through arguments.

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Bacon is of the view that any impediment or stond in the wit can be wrought out by fit studies.
If a person considers oneself dull, he can make him better through studies. Clearly, ‘bowling is
good for the stone and reins; shooting for the lungs and breast; gentle walking for the stomach;
riding for the head’, similarly, studies also have a physical role in mortals’ life. If a man’s wit is
unable to focus at a point and it keeps wandering, let him study mathematics so that he may
learn to demonstrate rationally. If his wit is unable to find differences let him study the
schoolmen. If a man is not able to call up one thing to prove and illustrate another, he should
study the lawyers’ cases.
Bacon encloses the essay by saying,
“So every defect of the mind may have a special receipt”.
OF STUDIES FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
WHAT ARE THE VIEWS OF FRANCIS BACON REGARDING STUDIES IN HIS ESSAY “OF
STUDIES”?
Bacon’s view regarding studies is that it “serve for Delight, for Ornament, and for Ability”.
Here Delight refers to the personal and private education, similarly, Ornament refers to the
conversation among people that Bacon tags as Discourse. Whereas, studies for Ability tips and
individual for the better interpretation of trade and commercial pursuit. According to Bacon, the
worldly experience can lead men to carry out plans and interpret particular circumstances,
however, the study makes men to better recognize the various dogmatic matters and how to act
in various circumstances realizing its severity i.e. rationalizing of affairs.
Bacon also encourages studies and warns the readers that sometimes too much studying may
lead to the sluggishness; moreover, the excessive and irrelevant use of knowledge by men in
conversation indicates the showing off of knowledge; likewise, if one only takes guidance from
studies disregard of practical experiences, he only becomes a scholar. Bacon argues that the
only way to use studies appropriately is to modernize it i.e. studies are only effective if it is
influenced by experience as this will enhance the natural abilities of a man; however, studies
without the influence of experience may lead to a great misperception in communication with
the world around.
Bacon illustrates that corrupt men denounce education; imprudent men approve education;
however the wise men utilize education according to the command of the real-world. He also
warns the educated men not to indulge himself in an unnecessarily argument with people,
likewise, educated men must not suppose that education can always cause the correct conduct or
interpretation; moreover, educated men should not use purely to emphasize on their
conversation with others. Rather, Bacon illustrates, some books must only be read, some must
be ignored completely, while few books must be “Chewed and digested”, i.e. should be
understood and interpreted completely. Furthermore, he advises that some books are read by
other and they take notes out of it, and these notes are good enough substitute of a book to be
read, however, this category mustn’t include the books with sublime subject matters.
Bacon, by returning to the previous argument, addresses the consequences of reading, writing,
and conversation by illustrating the reading crafts an all-rounder man; conversation makes a
man sharp and fast thinker; while writing makes a man rational. Furthermore, Bacon says that if
an individual doesn’t write must, he must have a good memory to compensate for his writing;
similarly, if he doesn’t have a good conversation, he should compensate it with a wit; and an
individual has to pretend that he knows more than he does in order to fake his reading that he
never does much.

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Bacon, by pointing out the various subject, argues that the studying history makes men wise;
mathematics makes them intellectually sharp, while logic and rhetoric skilled men in arguments.
Moreover, thinking is not problematic if it cannot be established by the proper study. Every
mind disorder has a treatment just like every physical illness. For instance, a man should study
law, if he cannot utilizes the proofs to demonstrate the certainty of unrelated facts. By studying
other forms, any defect in the brain can be cured.
EXPLAIN THE LINE “SOME BOOKS ARE TO BE TASTED, OTHERS TO BE SWALLOWED,
AND SOME FEW TO BE CHEWED AND DIGESTED” IN REFERENCE TO THE CONTEXT
OF BACON’S ESSAY “OF STUDIES”?
The notion with which Bacon opens his essay “Studies serve for delight, for ornament, and for
ability” parallels the line quoted in the question. The simplest interpretation of the statement
implies that the studies which delight are intended for personal observation, pleasure, and
understanding; the studies which are for ornament are intended to improve discourse,
communication, and inscription; those that are intended for ability are meant for the “argument
and judgment of business”. However, one may also assume that one by reading, for amusement
or pleasure, can also grasp a thoughtful understanding that could be utilized in serious learning.
Hence, among the books that delight are tend to be the ones that are only to be tasted. As one
doesn’t surely take in the philosophical knowledge, so one simple tastes it. The books that
contain some wisdom and deep thoughts need to be swallowed. However, the books that contain
a real sociological, philosophical, or psychological perception, and that necessarily becomes a
part of one’s mental being, are to be chewed and digested. Nutrients are absorbed when one
chew and digest the food and these nutrients become a part of the body. Similarly, the books
that are useful, truthful, and worthier, Bacon says, must be chewed and digested. However, if
they lack truth and wisdom, they must only be tasted.
WHAT ARE THE THREE MAIN BENEFITS OF STUDIES DID BACON MENTION IN HIS
ESSAY OF STUDIES? AND WHAT ARE DANGERS ASSOCIATED WITH EACH BENEFIT?
Bacon’s essays contain practical, religious, and moral subjects that, according to him, would
direct a man to a valuable and successful life in both business and politics. Most of his essay
deals with the manners, behavior, and conduct of a man and guides him how should one act and
to adopt moderation in everything. In simple words, one should neither exceed nor fall short of
anything as it can lead to an unstable life, with devastating results.
Bacon, in the essay Of Studies, illustrates both the benefits and the drawbacks of studying and
reading books. 1st of all he argues that “studies serve for Delight, for Ornament, and for Ability.
Delight is intended for private and personal affairs; Ornament for communication; the ability for
logical judgment and outlook for the business.
He argues that one study for delight as it allows an individual to be contented in himself. In
short, studies make a man relax when he is away from social life. Studies also make one skillful
to analyze and discuss a variety of topics in a prudent way and allow him to convince other with
strong facts and arguments. Moreover, in business life that also includes politics, one’s
judgmental qualities increases by thorough study.
Bacon, however, simultaneously discuss the pitfall of excessive studying, more importantly, if
one is studying with wrong intentions. He says that spending time only on studying makes man
idle; moreover, studying for ornament is showing-off; and a scholar seems to be silly if he
makes his judgment solely by rules.
Bacon depicts his practical nature in the essay when he argues that a man should have concerns
for both public and private business. He mustn’t only spend his time in studying as by this he

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 may neglect his business. Similarly, if the purpose of study for a man is only to show-off his
articulating skill, then he is embarrassed with affectation. For Bacon, showing-off is not merely
a waste of time but also a moral degradation. The last disadvantage of only acquiring bookish
knowledge and neglecting real world experience is it may make a person “book smart” but not
“street smart”. In short, study without experience is useless.
The main purpose of Bacon’s essay is to guide people in experiences they might come across as
they live in the world. He encourages the readers to bring their bookish knowledge in practical
use.
EXPLAIN FRANCIS BACON’S PERSPECTIVE IN THE LINE “WRITING MAKES AN EXACT
MAN” WITH REFERENCE TO THE ESSAY “OF STUDIES”?
This line is extracted from Bacon’s essay “Of Studies”. The whole statement reads “Reading
makes a full man; Conference a ready man; and Writing an exact man.” Through this line,
Bacon argues that writing makes man perfect. This statement is immediately followed by
another statement in which he states that if a man doesn’t write much, he must have a good
memory to remember. Inscription aids a person to understand various composite problems as it
is inclined to stamp on the mind.
Bacon also links writing with compactness and preciseness. It is well said that if a person is
unable to write about a subject clearly, his thinking is about the subject is also vague.
If anything Bacon may be suggesting in the essay that anybody can learn it’s just a simple matter of
having the right balance and knowing what to learn. It is pointless leaning something that is known
by few if one wants to engage in conversations with others. Yet knowing the information may be a
delight to the individual and this in itself may suffice. Knowing that they know something that few
know. This may sooth an individual’s ego sufficiently. Again it is better to seek a productive and
balanced approach when it comes to studying. Any type of study has its benefits but it is most
productive when put into action. An educated man will live a more enjoyable life should he put into
practice what he has learnt rather than using his knowledge as a tool to amuse himself and others. If
anything Bacon may be suggesting that using education as a delight or an ornament is in fact a waste
of an education.

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