We are much beholden to Machiavel and others, that write what men do, and not what they ought to do

We are much beholden to Machiavel and others, that write what men do, and not what they ought to do

Francis Bacon, a renowned English philosopher, statesman, scientist, and author, was a firm believer in the importance of understanding human nature and behavior. In his famous work, "The Essays," Bacon explores various aspects of human behavior and society, offering insights into the complexities of human nature. One of the key themes that Bacon addresses in his essays is the idea that we are much beholden to Machiavelli and others who write about what men do, rather than what they ought to do.

Bacon's statement reflects his belief that it is essential to study and understand human behavior as it is, rather than how it should be. He acknowledges the influence of Machiavelli, the Italian political philosopher known for his pragmatic approach to politics, in shaping his own views on human nature. Machiavelli's writings, particularly "The Prince," which explores the nature of power and leadership, have been controversial for their perceived amorality and focus on practicality over morality. However, Bacon recognizes the value of Machiavelli's insights into human behavior and the realities of political life.

Bacon's emphasis on studying what men do, rather than what they ought to do, reflects his pragmatic approach to understanding human nature. He believed that it was essential to observe and analyze human behavior in order to gain a deeper understanding of the complexities of human nature. By studying how people actually behave in various situations, Bacon believed that we could gain valuable insights into the motivations and desires that drive human actions.

Bacon's statement also reflects his belief in the importance of empirical observation and analysis in understanding human behavior. He was a strong advocate for the scientific method and believed that knowledge should be based on observation and experimentation. By studying what men do, Bacon believed that we could uncover universal truths about human nature that could inform our understanding of ethics, politics, and society.