'Of Studies' by Francis Bacon: A Trifle of Observations

Francis Bacon. A name synonymous with the philosophical deconstruction of the nuanced that is the mundane. Also a genius who makes one go, "wait, why can't I think of that?" after having extensively gone through a written description of anything he has penned down. Yet, therein lies the elusive nature of his subject matter. In the stark simplicity of it. The workings of a master at his craft. To me, he serves as a perpetual reminder that nothing shall ever be as it seems. That truth while simple, is also far from it. One only need endeavor, like Bacon, to somehow write it all down, which they'd find they can't, at least not that methodically. This is what makes Francis Bacon who he is, taking the seemingly simple and aptly analyzing it in a way to cover all the bases; while simultaneously making the reader marvel at the invisible pillars holding the fort of reality as well as be appreciative of the powerful detail in the otherwise unwritten. 'Of Studies' is exactly Bacon-esque in that regard, for want of a word. What struck me the most reading this (considerably short) essay, was a certain pattern, which I'll refer to here as the 'triad'. The most poignant points made in the essay are supported by details in a sequence of threes. However, this observation of mine is sadly restricted in scope, confined only to the preliminary part of the essay. For example, while talking about books he clearly states that some are meant to be tasted, some chewed and some digested. The main point here being as to how books are meant to be read is thus elaborated via the triad, in three supporting points. Similarly, in the opening sentence, studies serve a threefold purpose: to delight, to refine and to be applied. In the same vein, the reception of knowledge is also three-fold: clever men would prefer ignorance for themselves and others, simple men would prefer to keep knowledge on a pedestal and wise men would prefer to be utilitarian towards it.

I find Bacon's observations regarding individual learning quite interesting (for the uninitiated, his use of the word 'man' in aforesaid descriptions isn't him being exclusionary towards the fair sex in any way, rather serves as an umbrella term). They make his entire essay in a fashion subtly substantiate Michel Foucault's 'discipline and punish' model which upon paraphrasing states that learning is done best when done under self-discipline as opposed to external influence which in turn would, in fact, dissuade the learner(s) in their quest for knowledge instead of assisting them in it. Knowledge is power and like power it is fully capable of corrupting. Thus in one's quest for knowledge, (and by extension, truth) one must be careful in the manner of their pursuit for said knowledge as it is inherently imbued with the potential to be highly potent. As Bacon would put it simply: swallowing, chewing and digesting must be done wisely. Health, is wealth.

To conclude, the insights provided by Bacon shall remain timeless as long as people place some form of value in the written word. In contemporary times however, given the increasing tendency towards instant gratification, another trifling observation of mine relates to the applicability of this artfully crafted assortment of words; in that it is not about books or knowledge at all, rather the phenomenon of studies particularly in the context of researching a variety of content and critically analyzing it for information. In an increasingly polarized world, combined with the encroachment of technological innovation, I'd say that the process of poring over an increased amount of fast, available information to discern the right kind from it, is most cumbersome especially since us humans have majorly devolved into creatures of convenience. With our intelligence now largely outsourced to automated impostors, Bacon's essay may also well be interpreted as a warning to humanity. Some content is to be left alone, some merely taken at face value and only some to be considered critically, lest we end up upsetting our intellectual stomach for depth and clarity. After all, we exist among larger herds (or 'echo-chambers'). If we also happen to be sceptical towards messiahs or saviors, it'd serve us best to learn to live properly among the madding crowd, not just exist in complacency.