bacon essay of marriage

Of Marriage and Single Life

Of marriage and single life by francis bacon summary & analysis, more from francis bacon.

Of Marriage and Single Life by Francis Bacon | Summary & Analysis

In Of Marriage and Single Life , Bacon highlights the differences between the married life and the single’s life and the various advantages or disadvantages of the same. The burden of a married life According to Bacon a married man has a family to raise and take care of.

He is totally committed to providing security to them. But such commitment leaves him unable to take up any enterprise whether good or bad, noble or wicked. He loses his freedom to go after what his heart longs for.

Table of Contents

Of Marriage and Single Life Summary

The liberty of an unmarried life.

According to him, human history is a testament to the fact that the greatest achievements in the different spheres of science, art, literature etc. have been made by men and women who were single and uninhibited by the constraints of marriage.

Wealthy singles can be generous with their money are therefore sought after by churches. Unlike married men who are responsible to provide for their family members, the bachelors are less encumbered by such worries.

This empowers them with a commitment to make efforts for improvement. This also drives them to explore the future consequences of action or inaction in the present. It can lead to a need to make a better tomorrow for their children and their children

In the same vein, Bacon points at various single people who are lethargic, unmotivated and wasteful with their time and energy. They abuse their bachelorhood and often lack sensitivity to various problems of the present and dangers in the future.

To them, procreation will lead to more number of claimants to their wealth and property. They refuse to see the need and benefits of a family and leaving a legacy beyond their material possessions.

The Unreliability of the Bachelor

Bacon then points out people who stay single because they believe that marriage only leads to more fetters, restrictions, responsibilities and obligations.

They are consumed by a self-created illusion of a blissful and fulfilling single life that does not suffer from the bondage and shackles of marriage. They are forever on the run from the prison of marital responsibilities and commitments

Therefore, unmarried men are always a flight risk, prone to just run away and desertion. They are often good employees, better friends, as they have ample time for their employees and friends.

A Discipline in Humanity

Bacon then described the need for men of justice like judges and magistrates to espouse the qualities of honesty, reasoning and fairness.

While an unrestrained and unanchored bachelor can be unpredictable, reckless and discretionary in his thought and judgment, a married man is more suited for the responsibility of a judge.

In military organizations, the generals use the whole premise of ‘a family to protect’ when they address their soldiers. The married soldiers are committed to ensuring security if their wives and children.

Bacon observes that in the army of Turks, it is the unmarried soldiers who are prone to debase, perverse and the vilest behaviour when it comes to conducting with the defeated opposition army and prisoners of war.

Thus, in a way having a wife and children are necessary restraints on the animalistic and baser side of men and humanity. It curtails the Freudian basic and animal instincts and desires.

They lack the need and ability to evaluate the moral significance and correctness of their thoughts and action.

The Good Husband and Wife

Here, Bacon gives the example of Ulysses who valued his wife more than an immortal life. In the same vein, the woman also courts and regarding chastity. They preserve it as their sense of purity.

The Apt Time for Marriage

Bacon points out the different roles a wife plays in a man’s life. When he is young and passionate, she becomes his lover. She pleasures him sensually and her love and devotion make him feel more virile and strong.

Bacon says that deciding the correct time for marriage can be tricky for young and desirous men. For them, it is the pleasures of the body that are most pressing. Therefore, he suggests that young men should be patient and not rush into important decisions.

The Failed Husbands

Bacon feels that we often see some the most tyrannical and cruellest men with the noblest and most generous wives. These women endure great hardships and are happy with even the smallest gestures of affection from their mean husbands.

Their inability to value the affection and care of their wives makes them a failure both as husbands and human beings. Bacon advises such husbands to mend their errant ways and duly regard and honour their doting wives.

Of Marriage and Single Life: Key Thoughts

Bacon insists that having a family can make a man generous and merciful. It teaches a form of discipline that single men, lack and thus are more cruel and reckless.

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Of Marriage and Single Life by Francis Bacon: Summary, Line by Line Explanation, and Theme

Table of Contents

“ Of Marriage and Single Life ” by Francis Bacon is a short essay where the author explores the advantages and disadvantages of married and single life. He starts the essay by highlighting a drawback of married life. Bacon says familial responsibilities can hold a man back from starting grand projects. A married man remains busy in fulfilling the needs of his family.

On the flip side, unmarried men are free and can dedicate themselves more fully to the well-being of society than married men. History shows us that many achievements have been made by the unmarried. However, some unmarried individuals are self-centered and are not concerned about others.

Single men want to be bachelor because they value freedom above all. They can be friends or masters or servants, but they can not be an ideal citizen.

While marriage has certain restrictions, it makes people humane and responsible. However, single people can be charitable. A wife contributes to a man’s life as a mistress in youth, companion in middle age, and caregiver in old age. Marriage offers a support system that a single life cannot provide.

In discussing the ideal timing of marriage, Bacon mentions that both young men and older men should not marry.

Through the discussion of the benefits and difficulties of being married or single, the essay suggests how these choices impact an individual.

Line By Line Explanation and Analysis

The limitations of married life.

A married man with a wife and children is a prisoner of luck. His familial responsibilities and commitments stop him from pursuing “great enterprise” (Bacon 81), either virtuous or harmful.

Enterprise refers to a big dream, which could be a new business or starting any major life-changing project. It can be virtuous or mischievous.

Virtue refers to noble and morally admirable action that contributes to the betterment of oneself and others. On the flip side, mischief means actions that are immoral or risky for one’s family.

This confinement has both negative and positive aspects. A married man cannot invest money and time for any noble purpose. He must prioritize their welfare, security, and needs above his desires.

Therefore, his married life confines him to the wheel of fortune. Conversely, his family duties also stop him from taking high risks that might affect the family financially or mentally. His family might save him from getting ruined.

So, after considering both sides, we can state married life is neither a limitation nor an advantage.

I think Bacon offers a generalized view of marital responsibility. Many married individuals, including those with children, have undertaken calculated risks and achieved significant success. Their families have been a source of support.

Today, with dual-income families and an equal sharing of domestic responsibilities, marriage might not affect someone’s chance to take on big projects. However, during the Elizabethan period, it was not usual for women to be the breadwinners.

Service to Public Life 

Unlike married men, single men have historically been behind humanity’s noteworthy achievements. They have shared their talent and resources with the world and served humanity. 

For instance, successful people Nikola Tesla, A. P. J. Abdul Kalam, Homi J. Bhabha et al. led a single lifestyle. Their bachelorhood allowed them to focus on their work that has benefited the society. 

However, this statement of Bacon is a half-truth. Success is not entirely the domain of the unmarried. Figures like Srinivasa Ramanujan and Nambi Narayanan prove that marital status cannot limit success. 

These examples above show that success does not depend on marital status. Dedication, a support system, and effective work-life balance management are among the factors that lead to this result.

The Responsibilities of Married Men 

Married men remain busy building their family’s future. Their promises about “dearest pledges” (81) often occupy their mind. 

The phrase “dearest pledges” (81) might refer to their valuable commitment to their children’s future. They are bound to ensure a better, secure future for their children. 

Unlike them, single men can dedicate their lives to noble causes. Though Bacon praises the single lifestyle, he acknowledges that not all single men care for the well-being of their fellow human beings. They are self-centered and show little concern for future generations.  

It shows the difference in mindset between those dedicated to societal betterment and those who are not. 

Single Life as a Means of Prosperity

Some unmarried individuals consider having a wife and children as “bills of charges” (81). For them, family is only a financial liability. Some other greedy rich are prideful for not having kids, for they think their absence makes them seem wealthier. 

They might have heard people saying, “That person is really rich” (81) and someone else adding, “Yes, but he has to spend a lot on his kids,” (81) as if the kids make him less rich. 

Bacon marks a societal value that gives importance to material success above everything. This mindset sees having children as a barrier to increasing wealth.

Such a view ignores all the diverse, non-material benefits a family can offer, such as emotional and physical support.

The Benefit of Single Life: Freedom 

The biggest reason for being single is liberty. Compared to single men, they enjoy greater independence. However, a single life is not for everyone. It is ideal for those who can please themselves and have a carefree outlook.

Single men value their freedom to the extent that they consider “their girdles and garters, to be bonds and shackles” (81). Girdles and garters are items of clothing used to hold up stockings. 

It emphasizes how even a minor obligation or social restriction, which is symbolized by girdles and garters, makes them feel like actual physical tools of imprisonment: bonds and shackles. 

Several psychological factors contribute to why some individuals dislike confinement. These factors range from personality characteristics and cultural influences to experiences. For example, individuals who experienced excessive control in their upbringing or previous relationships may be sensitive to any boundary.

The Drawback of Single Men 

An unmarried man can be a best friend, master, or worker. An unmarried man has more time than a married man to invest in friendships and professional settings.

However, he cannot be a loyal citizen or reliable member of society because of his unpredictable nature. People who run away from societal responsibilities are usually single.

It implies unmarried men can not be uniformly reliable across all domains of their lives. He may not be equally committed to other responsibilities, such as following societal norms that may not align with his interests.

Therefore, the distinction lies in the personal choice and priority of commitments. In friendships and professional settings, commitments may be based more on interests and mutual benefits. 

For whom Single Life is Ideal

Bacon discusses the suitability of a single life for various professions, including churchmen, judges, magistrates, and soldiers, and how marital status impacts their roles and responsibilities.

Single life suits religious leaders well because it allows them to dedicate themselves to their duties without distractions. This job requires dedication and plenty of time. Unlike them, a married religious figure might struggle to balance his duty and family responsibilities. 

In the judiciary, marital status seems less relevant to job performance. But, if judges are corrupted, they will be much worse than husbands having a spouse who might distract them.

These servants prioritize private interests over justice, making them five times worse than an influenced husband.

Bacon’s view of a confined married man stems from the idea that married life distracts a man from focusing on notable public work. This perspective is outdated as it overlooks that both partners can be financially supportive of each other.

Family plays a crucial role in a soldier’s life in the military. Therefore, some generals charge the soldiers often up by reminding the image of soldiers’ families. 

The prospect of uniting family after war makes them alive even in distressful situations. Their family connection reminds them of why they are fighting. It can increase their dedication and courage.

Conversely, generals implant hatred for marriage in Turkish soldiers. As a result, they have no emotional reason to fight without injury. It possibly makes them less effective compared to those with families. 

Bacon observes that the undervaluing of marriage could make soldiers feel less motivated. 

The impact of family ties on a soldier’s performance is just one aspect of motivators. Ideological commitment, nationalism, and personal honor are other motivators that can influence effectiveness in combat situations. 

Moreover, the absence of a family does not make a soldier less motivated. Sometimes, it could even free a soldier from personal worries and make him more focused on their military objectives. 

Why is Marriage Important?

According to Bacon, “Certainly wife and children are a kind of discipline of humanity” (82). Familial responsibilities teach individuals human values such as love, patience, and empathy. 

Family life is a school of human values that shapes individuals into compassionate, lovable, and responsible members of society. 

However, Bacon also acknowledges that single individuals can possess these virtues. They can be more charitable than married men because of their fewer expenses. 

Many single men and women, including religious gurus, dedicate themselves to humanitarian causes. They often exhibit qualities like humanity in them.

Despite these virtues, some single individuals can be cruel. Similarly, not all married people show compassion and empathy. Thus, this suggests that virtues and flaws are not completely determined by marital status. 

The absence of family and lack of experience of empathy, tenderness, and compassion in their lives might make them harsh. 

Their hardhearted nature makes them suited for roles that require strict judgment, like that of an inquisitor. The term “inquisitor” (82) suggests a role involving rigorous inspection, where kindness in the method is not required.

Bacon notes that a serious person with good conduct is reliable and often makes him a loving spouse. Bacon refers to Ulysses as an example. In Cicero’s  On the Orator , I, 44, it mentions Ulysses prefers “vetulam suam prætulit immortalitati” (82). 

Goddess Calypso promised Ulysses immortality, but he has to choose between her and his wife. Instead of accepting the offer, he returns to Ithaca to meet his aging wife, Penelope (Pitcher 82n10). 

His choice exemplifies that trustworthiness is foundational to a loving and lasting marriage. 

Similarly, a chaste woman values her loyalty and considers her merit as a reason to be proud and bold. She will remain loyal and committed if she realizes her husband is wise.

In contrast, if her husband is jealous without cause, she thinks her husband does not have faith in her virtues. It can make her lose interest in him and eventually harm the relationship.

Bacon comments on the roles of a woman in different stages of a man’s life: “Wives are young men’s mistresses; companions for middle age; and old men’s nurses” (82). 

In the days of youth, a wife is a source of pleasure for a man. Like a man-mistress relationship, passion is the most vital aspect of their relationship. 

Emotional companionship becomes essential during middle age. A woman becomes a companion to share in his happiness and sadness.

In the last stage of life, a woman serves her husband. 

This statement reflects the patriarchal mindset of the era, where a man’s needs and the stages of his life determine a woman’s role.

This view differs from the modern concept of marriage. In contemporary society, the values of marriage center on support, care, mutual needs, and respect between partners. 

When Should One Marry?

A man has the autonomy to decide when to marry, though opinions on the best timing for marriage can vary. Regarding this matter, Bacon cites Thales of Miletus, who answered this question.

The sage of Greece said, “A young man not yet, an older man not at all” (82). He rejected marriage by telling his mother he was too young to marry. Late, when Thales of Miletus faced the same question, he said he was too old to marry (Pitcher 82n12). 

It advises that a young man who cannot control his desires is not eligible for marriage. Marriage is not just about physical companionship, but also about building a friendship.

On this topic, Friedrich Nietzsche says in  Human, All Too Human , “The best friend will probably get the best wife, because a good marriage is based on talent for friendship” (Nietzsche, 306).

Therefore, a young man should wait to mature emotionally before reaching a position where he can understand himself and his partner.

Similarly, an aged man whose youth has passed is also not an ideal candidate for marriage. He might have maturity, but he will lack the energy to keep the spark alive in a relationship. The complexities and responsibilities of marriage might not be worth undertaking after a certain age.

Bacon observes that bad husbands often have good wives, and there are two reasons. 

First, if a husband rarely shows affection, any small act of kindness can become incredibly precious to his wife. Despite having a negative impression of her husband, she will cherish these moments of kindness.

Second, some wives might be prideful in their patience in difficult situations. Her pride in enduring a cruel husband could be a factor in why they continue the relationship. 

Moreover, if such a husband is their choice, despite the warnings of their friends, they are often determined to justify their decision.

This determination can make them tolerate their husbands’ misbehavior more than they otherwise would. It suggests they are committed to their choice, possibly to avoid accepting they were wrong.

The theme of “Of Marriage and Single Life” is the benefits and demerits of both married and single lifestyles. Francis Bacon, in his essays like “Of Marriage and Single Life”, “ Of Truth ”, “ Of Friendship ”, “ Of Studies ” etc., balances the benefits of each subject with its drawbacks.

This essay also dives into the advantages and disadvantages of both single and married life.

The first benefit of single life is the freedom it grants for public service and personal advancement. Without familial duties, an individual can dedicate himself to serving humanity and engaging in noble pursuits.

On the other hand, family responsibilities impose conditions on taking risks and investing personally in new experiences. One has to prioritize the commitments to the family. So, a married person may find it challenging to invest time and effort into societal contributions or take risks that could impact the security of his family.

As argued above, this perspective oversimplifies the complexities of individual circumstances. This perspective suggests a single man has more time and freedom to advance his career.

However, it is not true that married individuals cannot achieve remarkable progress and make significant contributions to society.

Another benefit of being single is the freedom it brings. A single person has more independence compared to a married man.

For example, an unmarried person has the liberty to pursue activities that bring them joy without worrying about the impact on their family. Such an individual does not like any form of restriction that might limit their independence.

While a married person can enjoy similar freedoms, they often face restrictions or plans to fulfill their family responsibilities.

Financial stability is another area where single life frequently has an advantage. Without the expense of a family, a single individual may find it easier to manage his finances. In contrast, married life can have financial challenges.

Although it may be true in the Elizabethan era, today, women earn as much as men. Many working couples share financial responsibilities equally, which can mitigate some of the economic challenges. However, not all singles or couples are financially well-off.

In terms of social roles, single individuals can easily fit into roles as friends, masters, or servants, but they might not face the same level of responsibility as a married person does. Being married often means developing a sense of responsibility, as it requires considering the welfare of a family.

Being married comes with its own set of teachings. It teaches one to be humane and caring. While a single man might often be generous, he can also be harsh. It could be because they do not experience the care and affection that family life offers, which naturally softens a person’s character.

So, married people are more compassionate and better at socializing than those who are single. This difference highlights how the experience of family life can influence one’s emotional and social development.

Another benefit of married life is having a companion. Married individuals have a partner to share joy, sadness, success, and failure.

A single man might not always have someone close to share his deepest thoughts, feelings, or ideas. This lack of companionship can lead to loneliness. Therefore, a single life suits those who are self-satisfied and naturally humorous.

In conclusion, while some observations of Bacon might hold some truth in the context of his time, they do not universally apply. The ability to be charitable, kind, cruel, or self-disciplined does not depend on whether someone is married or unmarried.

Instead, it reflects an individual’s experiences and choices. Being single is not better than being married, and vice versa. While marriage may work well for some, it may not work for others.

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51 Francis Bacon: Essays

Introduction

by Mary Larivee and Rithvik Saravanan

Francis Bacon (1561-1626), the English philosopher, was instrumental in the development of the Scientific Revolution in the late 18th century even though he had passed away centuries before.  The “Scientific Revolution” was an important movement that emphasized Europe’s shift toward modernized science in fields such as mathematics, physics, astronomy, biology, and chemistry (Grant). It was an extension of the Renaissance period, which then led to the Enlightenment which brought advances across all areas of human endeavor. Francis Bacon, in particular, is remembered today primarily for the “scientific method” as a way of establishing what is true from what is false perception (a method that still lies at the heart of modern science). Bacon’s primary focus in his writings revolved around the practice of inductive reasoning, which he believed to be a complement to practical observation (Grant). Most people before this period followed the Aristotelian methodology for scientific arguments. This idea maintained that “if sufficiently clever men discussed a subject long enough, the truth would eventually be discovered” (“History – Francis Bacon.”). However irrational this sounds, the Scientific Revolution helped replace this outdated system of thinking with Bacon’s scientific method. Bacon argued that any proper argument required “evidence from the real world” (“History – Francis Bacon.”). His revolutionary ideas about empirical information helped propel him toward political and societal importance and fame.

Literary Context

Francis Bacon had a passion for metaphors, analogies, and vivid imagery. He was a rhetorical writer and his essays highlight his wisdom and incisive mind. His first book was released in 1597 followed by later editions with added essays that were released in 1612 and 1625. Each essay that Bacon wrote reveals his knowledge of Latin and draws on ancient Roman wisdom through axioms and proverbs. Additionally, Bacon uses wit as a way of getting his point across to his audience and this indeed causes the reader to reflect on his or her own beliefs and values. A key aspect of Bacon’s literature is its “terseness and epigrammatic force” (De). By managing to pack all of his thoughts and ideas into quick, brief statements, Bacon deepens the reach and impact of his work. His writing deviated from the typical Ciceronian style of the time, which was characterized by “melodious language, clarity, and forcefulness of presentation” (“Ciceronian.”). His statements are meaningful particularly because they are straight and to the point. The brevity of his ideas also facilitates the communication of his arguments, which is significant because, at the time, a solid, meaningful education was hard to come by. As such, Bacon’s work helped spread the notions that would eventually bear fruit with the discoveries of the Scientific Revolution.

Historical Context

Francis Bacon’s Essays cover a wide variety of topics and styles, ranging from individual to societal issues and from commonplace to existential. Another important aspect of the appeal of Bacon’s essays are that they weigh the argument at hand with multiple points of view. Bacon’s essays were received at the time with great praise, adoration, and reverence (Potter). He was noted for borrowing ideas from the works of historical writers such as Aristotle (Harmon), and, as such, he represents a continuation of this philosophical school of thought. Another important impact of the Scientific Revolution and Bacon’s literature is that it allowed common people of the era to question old, traditional beliefs. They began to consider everything with reason, which led to a greater sense of self as well as moral and ethical standards. By having the opportunity to judge for themselves, the people were able to advance society a step closer to a form of democracy.

Francis Bacon Essays is a collection of eight of the famous philosopher’s many essays. Each dissertation contains words of wisdom that have proven to be enlightening for many generations that followed. From “Truth” to “Of Superstition” and “Marriage and Single Life”, Bacon covers a wide range of intriguing topics in order to challenge the human mind to think deeply; as he himself writes: “Read not to contradict and confute, nor to believe and take for granted, nor to find talk and discourse, but to weigh and consider” (Bacon). The philosopher not only provides a framework for the genre of the modern essay but also provides his readers a code to live by.

Works Cited

“Ciceronian.” Dictionary.com , n.d., www.dictionary.com/browse/ciceronian. 23 Oct. 2020.

De, Ardhendu. “Rhetorical Devices as Used by Francis Bacon in His Essays.” A.D.’s English Literature: Notes and Guide , 07 Apr. 2011, ardhendude.blogspot.com/2011/04/rhetorical-devices-used-by-francis.html. Accessed 23 Oct. 2020.

Grant, Edward. The Foundations of Modern Science in the Middle Ages: Their Religious, Institutional, and Intellectual Contexts . Cambridge University Press, 1996.

Harmon, William. The Oxford Book of American Light Verse. Oxford University Press, 1979.

“History – Francis Bacon.” History , British Broadcasting Corporation, 2014, www.bbc.co.uk/history/historic_figures/bacon_francis.shtml. Accessed 24 Oct. 2020.

Potter, Vincent G. Readings in Epistemology: from Aquinas, Bacon, Galileo, Descartes, Locke, Berkeley, Hume, Kant. Fordham University Press, 1993.

Discussion Questions

• Why do you think Francis Bacon chose to enlighten and inspire his readers as opposed to other writers of his time who focused more on classic folklore tales?
• Why do you think Francis Bacon choose the topics that he did? Who or what do you think had a major influence on his writings?
• What are the goals and intentions behind Bacon’s use of rhetorical questioning?
• What are some common themes and ideas from Francis Bacon’s Essays that can be applied to general situations and contemporary society?
• From the ideas presented in this reading, how do you think Francis Bacon’s work affected government policies throughout history, including modern day governmental standards?

Further Resources

• Detailed biography of Franics Bacon’s life
• Analytical article of Francis Bacon’s impact on the Scientific Revolution
• List of Francis Bacon’s most significant accomplishments
• Compilation of Francis Bacon’s literature
• Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy entry on Francis Bacon
• Discussion video of Francis Bacon’s “Of Studies”

Reading: From Essayes

I. of truth..

What is truth? said jesting Pilate; and would not stay for an answer. Certainly there be that delight in giddiness; and count it a bondage to fix a belief; affecting free-will in thinking, as well as in acting. And though the sects of philosophers of that kind be gone, yet there remain certain discoursive wits, which are of the same veins, though there be not so much blood in them as was in those of the ancients. But it is not only the difficulty and labour which men take in finding out of truth, nor again, that when it is found, it imposeth upon men’s thoughts, that doth bring lies in favour, but a natural though corrupt love of the lie itself. One of the later schools of the Grecians examineth the matter, and is at a stand to think what should be in it, that men should love lies; where neither they make for pleasure, as with poet; nor for advantage, as with the mer chant, but for the lie’s sake. But I cannot tell: this same truth is a naked and open daylight, that doth not show the masks, and mummeries, and triumphs of the world, half so stately and daintily as candlelights. Truth may perhaps come to the price of a pearl, that showeth best by day, but it will not rise to the price of a diamond or carbuncle, that showeth best in varied lights. A mixture of a lie doth ever add pleasure. Doth any man doubt, that if there were taken out of men’s minds, vain opinions, flattering hopes, false valuations, imaginations as one would, and the like, but it would leave the minds of a number of men, poor shrunken things, full of melancholy and indisposition, and unpleasing to themselves? One of the fathers, in great severity, called poesy “vinum dæmonum,”; because it filleth the imagination, and yet it is but with the shadow of a lie. But it is not the lie that passeth through the mind, but the lie that sinketh in, and settleth in it, that doth the hurt, such as we spake of before. But howsoever these things are thus in men’s depraved judgments and affections, yet truth, which only doth judge itself, teacheth, that the inquiry of truth, which is the love-making, or wooing of it, the knowledge of truth, which is the presence of it, and the belief of truth, which is the enjoying of it, is the sovereign good of human nature. The first creature of God, in the works of the days, was the light of the sense: the last was the light of reason; and his Sabbath work ever since, is the illumination of his Spirit. First, he breathed light upon the face of the matter, or chaos; then he breathed light into the face of man; and still he breatheth and inspireth light into the face of his chosen. The poet that beautified the sect, that was otherwise inferior to the rest, saith yet excellently well: “It is a pleasure to stand upon the shore, and to see ships tossed upon the sea: a pleasure to stand in the window of a castle, and to see a battle, and the adventures thereof below: but no pleasure is comparable to the standing upon the vantage ground of truth, (a hill not to be commanded, and where the air is always clear and serene,) and to see the errors, and wanderings, and mists, and tempests in the vale below:” so always that this prospect be with pity, and not with swelling or pride. Certainly, it is heaven upon earth, to have a man’s mind move in charity, rest in providence, and turn upon the poles of truth.

To pass from theological and philosophical truth, to the truth of civil business; it will be acknowledged even by those that practise it not, that clean and round dealing is the honour of man’s nature, and that mixture of falsehood is like alloy in coin of gold and silver, which may make the metal work the better, but it embaseth it. For these winding and crooked courses are the goings of the serpent; which goeth basely upon the belly, and not upon the feet. There is no vice that doth so cover a man with shame as to be found false and perfidious; and therefore Montaigne saith prettily, when he inquired the reason, why the word of the lie should be such a disgrace, and such an odious charge, saith he, “If it be well weighed, to say that a man lieth, is as much as to say, that he is brave towards God, and a coward towards men. For a lie faces God, and shrinks from man.” Surely the wickedness of falsehood and breach of faith cannot possibly be so highly expressed, as in that it shall be the last peal to call the judgments of God upon the generations of men: it being foretold, that when “Christ cometh,” he shall not “find faith upon the earth.”

VIII. OF MARRIAGE AND SINGLE LIFE.

He that hath wife and children hath given hostages to fortune; for they are impediments to great enterprises, either of virtue or mischief. Certainly the best works, and of greatest merit for the public, have proceeded from the unmarried or childless men; which, both in affection and means, have married and endowed the public. Yet it were great reason that those that have children should have greatest care of future times, unto which they know they must transmit their dearest pledges. Some there are, who, though they lead a single life, yet their thoughts do end with themselves, and account future times impertinences; nay, there are some other that account wife and children but as bills of charges; nay more, there are some foolish rich covetous men, that take a pride in having no children, because they may be thought so much the richer; for, perhaps, they have heard some talk, “Such an one’s a great rich man” and another except to it. “Yea, but he hath a great charge of children;” as if it were an abatement to his riches: but the most ordinary cause of a single life is liberty, especially in certain self-pleasing and humorous minds, which are so sensible of every restraint, as they will go near to think heir girdles and garters to be bonds and shackles. Unmarried men are best friends, best masters, best servants; but not always best subjects; for they are light to run away; and almost all fugitives are of that condition. A single life doth well with churchmen, for charity will hardly water the ground where it must first fill a pool. It is indifferent for judges and magistrates; for if they be facile and corrupt, you shall have a servant five times worse than a wife. For soldiers, I find the generals commonly, in their hortatives, put men in mind of their wives and children; and I think the despising of marriage among the Turks maketh the vulgar soldier more base. Certainly wife and children are a kind of discipline of humanity; and single men, though they may be many times more charitable, because their means are less exhaust, yet, on the other side, they are more cruel and hardhearted, (good to make severe inquisitors,) because their tenderness is not so oft called upon. Grave natures, led by custom, and therefore constant, are commonly loving husbands, as was said of Ulysses, “vetulam suam prætulit immortalitati.” Chaste women are often proud and froward, as presuming upon the merit of their chastity. It is one of the best bonds, both of chastity and obedience, in the wife, if she think her husband wise; which she will never do if she find him jealous. Wives are young men’s mistresses, companions for middle age, and old men’s nurses; so as a man may have a quarrel to marry when he will: but yet he was reputed one of the wise men, that made answer to the question when a man should marry:—”A young man not yet, an elder man not at all.” It is often seen, that bad husbands have very good wives; whether it be that it raiseth the price of their husband’s kindness when it comes, or that the wives take a pride in their patience; but this never fails, if the bad husbands were of their own choosing, against their friends consent, for then they will be sure to make good their own folly.

XI. OF GREAT PLACE.

Men in great place are thrice servants; servants of the sovereign or state, servants of fame, and servants of business; so as they have no freedom, neither in their persons, nor in their actions, nor in their times. It is a strange desire to seek power and to lose liberty; or to seek power over others, and to lose power over a man’s self. The rising unto place is laborious, and by pains men come to greater pains; and it is sometimes base, and by indignities men come to dignities. The standing is slippery, and the regress is either a downfall, or at least an eclipse, which is a melancholy thing: “Cum non sis qui fueris, non esse cur velis vivere.” Nay, retire men cannot when they would, neither will they when it were reason; but are impatient of privateness even in age and sickness, which require the shadow: like old townsmen, that will be still sitting at their street door, though thereby they offer age to scorn. Certainly great persons had need to borrow other men’s opinions to think themselves happy; for if they judge by their own feeling, they cannot find it: but if they think with themselves what other men think of them, and that other men would fain be as they are, then they are happy as it were by report, when, perhaps, they find the contrary within; for they are the first that find their own griefs, though they be the last that find their own faults. Certainly men in great fortunes are strangers to themselves, and while they are in the puzzle of business they have no time to tend their health either of body or mind: “Illi mors gravis incubat, qui notus nimis omnibus, ignotus moritur sibi.” In place there is license to do good and evil; whereof the latter is a curse: for in evil the best condition is not to will; the second not to can. But power to do good is the true and lawful end of aspiring; for good thoughts (though God accept them,) yet towards men are little better than good dreams, except they be put in act; and that cannot be without power and place, as the vantage and commanding ground. Merit and good works is the end of man’s motion; and conscience of the same is the accomplishment of man’s rest; for if a man can be partaker of God’s theatre, he shall likewise be partaker of God’s rest: “Et conversus Deus, ut aspiceret opera, quaæ fecerunt manus suæ, vidit quod omnia essent bona nimis;” and then the sabbath. In the discharge of the place set before thee the best examples; for imitation is a globe of precepts; and after a time set before thine own example; and examine thyself strictly whether thou didst not best at first. Neglect not also the examples of those that have carried themselves ill in the same place; not to set off thyself by taxing their memory, but to direct thyself what to avoid. Reform, therefore, without bravery or scandal of former times and persons; but yet set it down to thyself, as well to create good precedents as to follow them. Reduce things to the first institution, and observe wherein and how they have degenerated; but yet ask counsel of both times; of the ancienter time what is best; and of the latter time what is fittest. Seek to make thy course regular, that men may know be forehand what they may expect; but be not too positive and peremptory; and express thyself well when thou digressest from thy lure. Preserve the right of thy place, but stir not questions of jurisdiction; and rather assume thy right in silence, and “de facto,” than voice it with claims and challenges. Preserve likewise the rights of inferior places; and think it more honour to direct in chief than to be busy in all. Embrace and invite helps and advices touching the execution of thy place; and do not drive away such as bring thee information as meddlers, but accept of them in good part. The vices of authority are chiefly four; delays, corruption, roughness, and facility. For delays give easy access: keep times appointed; go through with that which is in hand, and interlace not business but of necessity. For corruption, do not only bind thine own hands or thy servant’s hands from taking, but bind the hands of suitors also from offering; for integrity used doth the one; but integrity professed, and with a manifest detestation of bribery, doth the other; and avoid not only the fault, but the suspicion. Whosoever is found variable, and changeth manifestly without manifest cause, giveth suspicion of corruption; therefore, always when thou changest thine opinion or course, profess it plainly, and declare it, together with the reasons that move thee to change, and do not think to steal it. A servant or a favourite, if he be inward, and no other apparent cause of esteem, is commonly thought but a by-way to close corruption. For roughness, it is a needless cause of discontent; severity breedeth fear, but roughness breedeth hate. Even reproofs from authority ought to be grave, and not taunting. As for facility, it is worse than bribery; for bribes come but now and then; but if importunity or idle respects lead a man, he shall never be without; as Solomon saith, “To respect persons is not good, for such a man will transgress for a piece of bread.” It is most true that was anciently spoken, “A place showeth the man; and it showeth some to the better and some to the worse;” “omnium consensu capax imperii, nisi imperasset,” saith Tacitus of Galba; but of Vespasian he saith, “solus imperantium, Vespasianus mutatus in melius;” though the one was meant of sufficiency, the other of manners and affection. It is an assured sign of a worthy and generous spirit, whom honour amends; for honour is, or should be, the place of virtue; and as in nature things move violently to their place and calmly in their place, so virtue in ambition is violent, in authority settled and calm. All rising to great place is by a winding stair; and if there be factions, it is good to side a man’s self whilst he is in the rising, and to balance himself when he is placed. Use the memory of thy predecessor fairly and tenderly; for if thou dost not, it is a debt will sure be paid when thou art gone. If thou have colleagues, respect them; and rather call them when they looked not for it, than exclude them when they have reason to look to be called. Be not too sensible or too remembering of thy place in conversation and private answers to suitors; but let it rather be said, “When he sits in place he is another man.”

XVII. OF SUPERSTITION.

It were better to have no opinion of God at all than such an opinion as is unworthy of him; for the one is unbelief, the other is contumely; and certainly superstition is the reproach of the Deity. Plutarch saith well to that purpose: “Surely,” saith he, “I had rather a great deal men should say there was no such man at all as Plutarch, than that they should say that there was one Plutarch, that would eat his children as soon as they were born:” as the poets speak of Saturn: and, as the contumely is greater towards God, so the danger is greater towards men. Atheism leaves a man to sense, to philosophy, to natural piety, to laws, to reputation: all which may be guides to an outward moral virtue, though religion were not; but superstition dismounts all these, and erecteth an absolute monarchy in the minds of men: therefore atheism did never perturb states; for it makes men wary of themselves, as looking no further, and we see the times inclined to atheism (as the time of Augustus Cæsar) were civil times: but superstition hath been the confusion of many states, and bringeth in a new “primum mobile,” that ravisheth all the spheres of government. The master of superstition is the people, and in all superstition wise men follow fools; and arguments are fitted to practice, in a reversed order. It was gravely said, by some of the prelates in the council of Trent, where the doctrine of the schoolmen bare great sway, that the schoolmen were like astronomers, which did feign eccentrics and epicycles, and such engines of orbs to save phenomena, though they knew there were no such things; and, in like manner, that the schoolmen had framed a number of subtle and intricate axioms and theorems, to save the practice of the church. The causes of superstition are, pleasing and sensual rites and ceremonies; excess of outward and pharisaical holiness; over great reverence of traditions, which cannot but load the church; the stratagems of prelates for their own ambition and lucre; the favouring too much of good intentions, which openeth the gate to conceits and novelties; the taking an aim at divine matters by human, which cannot but breed mixture of imaginations; and, lastly, barbarous times, especially joined with calamities and disasters. Superstition, without a veil, is a deformed thing: for as it addeth deformity to an ape to be so like a man, so the similitude of superstition to religion makes it the more deformed: and, as wholesome meat corrupteth to little worms, so good forms and  orders corrupt into a number of petty observances. There is a superstition in avoiding superstition, when men think to do best if they go furthest from the superstition formerly received; therefore care would be had that (as it fareth in ill purgings) the good be not taken away with the bad, which commonly is done when the people is the reformer.

XXXIII. OF PLANTATIONS.

Plantations are amongst ancient, primitive, and heroical works. When the world was young, it begat more children; but now it is old, it begets fewer; for I may justly account new plantations to be the children of former kingdoms. I like a plantation in a pure soil; that is, where people are not displanted to the end to plant in others; for else it is rather an extirpation than a plantation. Planting of countries is like planting of woods; for you must make account to lose almost twenty years profit, and expect your recompense in the end: for the principal thing that hath been the destruction of most plantations, hath been the base and hasty drawing of profit in the first years. It is true, speedy profit is not to be neglected, as far as may stand with the good of the plantation, but no further. It is a shameful and unblessed thing to take the scum of people and wicked condemned men, to be the people with whom you plant; and not only so, but it spoileth the plantation; for they will ever live like rogues, and not fall to work, but be lazy, and do mischief, and spend victuals, and be quickly weary, and then certify over to their country to the discredit of the plantation. The people wherewith you plant ought to be gardeners, ploughmen, labourers, smiths, carpenters, joiners, fishermen, fowlers, with some few apothecaries, surgeons, cooks, and bakers. In a country of plantation, first look about what kind of victual the country yields of itself to hand; as chestnuts, walnuts, pineapples, olives, dates, plums, cherries, wild honey, and the like, and make use of them. Then consider what victual, or esculent things there are which grow speedily and within the year: as parsnips, carrots, turnips, onions, radish, artichokes of Jerusalem, maize, and the like: for wheat, barley, and oats, they ask too much labour; but with pease and beans you may begin, both because they ask less labour, and because they serve for meat as well as for bread; and of rice likewise cometh a great increase, and it is a kind of meat. Above all, there ought to be brought store biscuit, oatmeal, flour, meal, and the like, in the beginning, till bread may be had. For beasts, or birds, take chiefly such as are least subject to diseases, and multiply fastest; as swine, goats, cocks, hens, turkeys, geese, house-doves, and the like. The victual in plantations ought to be expended almost as in a besieged town; that is, with certain allowance: and let the main part of the ground employed to gardens or corn, be to a common stock; and to be laid in, and stored up, and then delivered out in proportion; besides some spots of ground that any particular person will manure for his own private use. Consider, likewise, what commodities the soil where the plantation is doth naturally yield, that they may some way help to defray the charge of the plantation; so it be not, as was said, to the untimely prejudice of the main business, as it hath fared with tobacco in Virginia. Wood commonly aboundeth but too much: and therefore timber is fit to be one. If there be iron ore, and streams whereupon to set the mills, iron is a brave commodity where wood aboundeth. Making of bay-salt, if the climate be proper for it, would be put in experience: growing silk likewise, if any be, is a likely commodity: pitch and tar, where store of firs and pines are, will not fail; so drugs and sweet woods, where they are, cannot but yield great profit; soap-ashes likewise, and other things that may be thought of; but moil not too much under ground, for the hope of mines is very uncertain and useth to make the planters lazy in other things. For government, let it be in the hands of one, assisted with some counsel; and let them have commission to exercise martial laws, with some limitation; and, above all, let men make that profit of being in the wilderness, as they have God always, and his service before their eyes; let not the government of the plantation depend upon too many counsellors and undertakers in the country that planteth, but upon a temperate number; and let those be rather noblemen and gentle men, than merchants; for they look ever to the present gain: let there be freedoms from custom, till the plantation be of strength; and not only freedom from custom, but freedom to carry their commodities where they may make their best of them, except there be some special cause of caution. Cram not in people, by sending too fast, company after company; but rather hearken how they waste, and send supplies proportionably; but so as the number may live well in the plantation, and not by surcharge be in penury. It hath been a great endangering to the health of some plantations, that they have built along the sea and rivers in marish and unwholesome grounds: therefore, though you begin there, to avoid carriage and other like discommodities, yet build still rather upwards from the stream, than along. It concerneth likewise the health of the plantation that they have good store of salt with them, that they may use it in their victuals when it shall be necessary. If you plant where savages are, do not only entertain them with trifles and gingles, but use them justly and graciously, with sufficient guard nevertheless; and do not win their favour by helping them to invade their enemies, but for their defence it is not amiss: and send oft of them over to the country that plants, that they may see a better condition than their own, and commend it when they return. When the plantation grows to strength, then  it is time to plant with women as well as with men; that the plantation may spread into generations, and not be ever pieced from without. It is the sinfullest thing in the world to forsake or destitute a plantation once in forwardness; for, besides the dishonour, it is the guiltiness of blood of many commiserable persons.

XLVII. OF NEGOTIATING.

It is generally better to deal by speech than by letter; and by the mediation of a third than by a man’s self. Letters are good when a man would draw an answer by letter back again; or when it may serve for a man’s justification afterwards to produce his own letter; or where it may be danger to be interrupted, or heard by pieces. To deal in person is good, when a man’s face breedeth regard, as commonly with inferiors; or in tender cases, where a man’s eye upon the countenance of him with whom he speaketh, may give him a direction how far to go; and generally, where a man will reserve to himself liberty either to disavow or to expound. In choice of instruments, it is better to choose men of a plainer sort, that are like to do that that is committed to them, and to report back again faithfully the success, than those that are cunning to contrive out of ether men’s business somewhat to grace themselves, and will help the matter in report, for satisfaction sake. Use also such persons as affect the business wherein they are employed, for that quickeneth much; and such as are fit for the matter, as bold men for expostulation, fair-spoken men for persuasion, crafty men for inquiry and observation, froward and absurd men for business that doth not well bear out itself. Use also such as have been lucky and prevailed before in things wherein you have employed them; for that breeds confidence, and they will strive to maintain their prescription. It is better to sound a person with whom one deals afar off, than to fall upon the point at first; except you mean to surprise him by some short question. It is better dealing with men in appetite, than with those that are where they would be. If a man deal with another upon conditions, the start of first performance is all; which a man can reasonably demand, except either the nature of the thing be such, which must go before: or else a man can persuade the other party, that he shall still need him in some other thing; or else that he be counted the honester man. All practice is to discover, or to work. Men discover themselves in trust, in passion, at unawares; and of necessity, when they would have somewhat done, and cannot find an apt pretext, if you would work any man, you must either know his nature and fashions, and so lead him; or his ends, and so persuade him; or his weakness and disadvantages, and so awe him; or these that have interest in him, and so govern him. In dealing with cunning persons, we must ever consider their ends, to interpret their speeches; and it is good to say little to them, and that which they least look for. In all negotiations of difficulty, a man may not look to sow and reap at once; but must prepare business, and so ripen it by degrees.

XXXVII. OF MASQUES AND TRIUMPHS.

These things are but toys to come amongst such serious observations; but yet, since princes will have such things, it is better they should be graced with elegancy, than daubed with cost. Dancing to song, is a thing of great state and pleasure. I understand it that the song be inquire, placed aloft, and accompanied by some broken music; and the ditty fitted to the device. Acting in song, especially in dialogues, hath an extreme good grace; I say acting, not dancing, (for that is a mean and vulgar thing;) and the voices of the dialogue would be strong and manly, (a base and a tenor, no treble,) and the ditty high and tragical, not nice or dainty. Several quires placed one over against another, and taking the voice by catches anthem-wise, give great pleasure. Turning dances into figure is a childish curiosity; and generally let it be noted, that those things which  I here set down are such as do naturally take the sense, and not respect petty wonderments. It is true, the alterations of scenes, so it be quietly and without noise, are things of great beauty and pleasure; for they feed and relieve the eye before it be full of the same object. Let the scenes abound with light, especially coloured and varied; and let the masquers, or any other that are to come down from the scene, have some motions upon the scene it self before their coining down; for it draws the eye strangely, and makes it with great pleasure to desire to see that it cannot perfectly discern. Let the songs be loud and cheerful, and not chirpings or pulings: let the music likewise be sharp and loud, and well placed. The colours that show best by candle-light, are white, carnation, and a kind of sea-water green and ouches, or spangs, as they are of no great cost, so they are of most glory. As for rich embroidery, it is lost and not discerned. Let the suits of the masquers be graceful, and such as become the person when the vizards are off; not after examples of known attires; Turks, soldiers, mariners, and the like. Let anti-masques not be long; they have been commonly of fools, satyrs, baboons, wild men antics, beasts, spirits, witches, Ethiopes, pigmies turquets, nymphs, rustics, Cupids, statues moving and the like. As for angels, it is not comical enough to put them in anti-masques; and any thing that is hideous, as devils, giants, is, on the other side as unfit; but chiefly, let the music of them be recreative, and with some strange changes. Some sweet odours suddenly coming forth, without any drops falling, are, in such a company as there is steam and heat, things of great pleasure and refreshment. Double masques, one of men another of ladies, addeth state and variety; but all is nothing except the room be kept clean and neat.

For jousts, and tourneys, and barriers, the glories of them are chiefly in the chariots, wherein the challengers make their entry; especially if they be drawn with strange beasts; as lions, bears camels, and the like; or in the devices of their entrance, or in bravery of their liveries, or in the goodly furniture of their horses and armour. But enough of these toys.

L. OF STUDIES.

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; 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 humour of a scholar: they perfect nature, and are perfected by experience: for natural abilities are like natural plants, that need pruning by study; and studies themselves do give forth directions too much at large, except they be bounded in by 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. 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 no 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 upon one thing to prove and illustrate another, let him study the lawyer’s cases: so every defect of the mind may have a special receipt.

Source Text:

Bacon, Francis. Bacon’s Essays and Wisdom of the Ancients . Little, Brown, and Company, 1884, is licensed under no known copyright.

An Open Companion to Early British Literature Copyright © 2019 by Allegra Villarreal is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License , except where otherwise noted.

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Friday, June 19, 2015

Critical commentary on francis bacon’s essay "of marriage and single life".

4 comments:

Did Bacon say Turkish soldiers are so vulgar and base? ''I think the despising of marriage amongst the Turks maketh the vulgar soldier more base''.This is what you make out from Bacon's words?

Yes, Francis Bacon did make a comment about Turkish soldiers in his essay "Of Marriage and Single Life." In this essay, Bacon discusses the advantages and disadvantages of marriage, and he mentions that among the Turks, there is a tendency to despise marriage. He then goes on to say that this may make the common soldier among the Turks more base and vulgar. The exact quote from the essay is: "I think it [the despising of marriage amongst the Turks] makes the vulgar soldier more base, and the better sort of men more unhappy; for the general breed of mankind are like the baggagetrain that followeth an army, and every base passion moveth them." It is important to note, however, that this comment must be understood in the context of its time. Bacon wrote this essay in the early 17th century, when there was a great deal of cultural and religious tension between Europe and the Ottoman Empire, which was predominantly Muslim and located in what is now modern-day Turkey. Therefore, it is possible that Bacon's comments about Turkish soldiers were influenced by the prevailing attitudes and prejudices of his time.

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Biden expected to take executive action to protect undocumented spouses of U.S. citizens

WASHINGTON —President Biden is expected to announce a new executive action as early as this Tuesday that would shield about 500,000 undocumented immigrants living in the U.S. from deportation. 

The action, according to these sources, is expected to protect undocumented spouses of U.S. citizens from deportation and to allow them to work legally in the country. It would apply specifically to undocumented spouses who have lived in the U.S. for more than 10 years, which these sources estimate as being about a half-million individuals.

The program, known as “parole in place,” would also make it easier for some undocumented immigrants to get a green card and a path to U.S. citizenship. One of the sources said lawmakers on Capitol Hill had been briefed on the proposal.

A White House spokesperson declined to comment on details.

“As we have said before, the administration continues to explore a series of policy options and we remain committed to taking action to address our broken immigration system,” the spokesperson said.

The discussions come after immigration advocates and Democratic lawmakers  urged the administration  to prioritize long-term undocumented immigrants and also as President Joe Biden tries to court Latino voters in crucial battleground states such as Nevada and Arizona. 

Last week, during remarks at the White House, Biden announced  an executive action  to tighten asylum restrictions outside legal ports of entry. Under the new policy, anytime the seven-day average of illegal border crossings tops 2,500, migrants entering the U.S. between legal ports of entry — with some exceptions — will be banned from claiming asylum and deported, though there are  mounting questions  about how the action will work without new congressional funding.

Biden also teased more immigration-related moves. 

“In the weeks ahead, I’ll speak to how we can make our immigration system more fair and more just,” he said. “Let’s fix the problem and stop fighting about it.”

If adopted, protections for undocumented spouses of U.S. citizens could be the federal government’s largest immigration-related relief program since 2012, when then-President Barack Obama announced the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, or DACA. It allowed immigrants who illegally came to the U.S. as children to stay in the country. 

The Biden administration has been facing criticism from all sides over immigration. Republicans have argued his asylum restrictions are too little, too late. Some Democrats have blasted the move as a betrayal of Biden’s 2020 campaign promise to enact more humane policies at the border.

The number of undocumented migrants crossing the southern border reached nearly 10 million during the Biden administration. Earlier this year, congressional Republicans — at Donald Trump’s urging — blocked a sweeping bipartisan border security bill that the White House said would have eased the crisis. GOP House members, including Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., said the bill didn’t go far enough.

“Our colleagues across the aisle have failed to act,” Rep. Salud Carbajal, D-Calif., said last week while visiting the White House. “We would have liked to have seen a lot of other things that I believe the president is going to be acting on in the near future.”

Gabe Gutierrez is a senior White House correspondent for NBC News.

Monica Alba is a White House correspondent for NBC News.

Julie Tsirkin is a correspondent covering Capitol Hill.

Peter Alexander is chief White House correspondent for NBC News.

Of Marriage and Single Life | Summary and Analysis

Summary of of marrige and single life by francis bacon.

Of Marriage and Single Life is an essay written by Sir Francis Bacon, a popular English philosopher and statesman. In “Of Marriage and Single Life”, Bacon has compared and contrasted the life of a married man with that of a single man, drawing a contrast between the two by highligting he merits and demerits of the institution of marriage as it prevailed in the society. First published in 1612, as a part of “ Essayes: Religious Meditations. Places of Perswasion and Disswasion. Seene and Allowed.” , this essay presents Bacon’s views and opinions on marriage and singlehood along with arguments and theories to support them. Famous for his prose and credited with inventing the essay form, Bacon sought these essays as a medium to express his philosophy on topics inspired by both public and private life of man. His style is quite argumentative and he rationalises each thought with ample justifications and logics.

Bacon begins the essay by stating that the commitment of marriage renders a man incapable of pursuing any great deeds, whether good or bad, noble or wicked. The responsibilities of married life could prove it difficult for him to work towards achieving success. Marriage brings with it the burden of family; of wife and children, which acts as a deterrent for those who want to achieve great feats. History indicates that all the best works, especially those aiming towards public welfare and greater good of the society, have been undertaken by single men because only they, owing to absence of any other commitment in their life, are capable of complete devotion to the public. It seems that they, for all intents and purposes, have married the society which they aim to serve with utmost dedication.

Married men, especially those having children, harbour great care and concern for the future and direct all their efforts towards securing a better tomorrow for their family. The responsibility of taking care of the family provides them with the will and incentive to work with utmost sincerity and dedication towards securing a better future for their children.

There, however, also exist some single men who do not think much about anything apart from their own selves and display no concern towards the future. They work only for their own welfare and show no willingness to work towards making the society better for the generations to come.

However, Bacon says, the most common reason behind men choosing to be single is the freedom promised by a single life. Such men are averse to even the slightest restriction and thus, marriage, which brings with it various responsibilities and commitments, is not preferable to them. These unmarried men, liberated from any kind of commitment, prove to be the best friends, masters and servants. They, however, do not make for the best citizens due to their tendency to shun responsibilities and often turn out to be fugitives.

As per Bacon, single life is best suited to the members of the clergy as in absence of any personal commitments, they are able to serve the society with utmost dedication and commitment. As regards the men of justice- the judges and magistrates, marriage does not make much of a difference in their duties. They can choose to remain indifferent on this because if they themselves are corrupt and immoral, and lack sincerity towards their work, they are no less than an unmarried man. They should display honesty and responsibility in their dealings, regardless of their marital status. Even marriage cannot instil responsibility in such callous men. Bacon further comments that marriage, and family, prove to be a source of inspiration for the soldiers, who are often made to think of the safety of their wife and children as they fight battles. Marriage provides these soldiers an emotional support system that motivates them and gives them courage. This is why Bacon believes that the aversion of Turks towards marriage is the reason behind the barbarism of their soldiers.

Overall, Bacon has very beautifully put forth his opinions on marriage, citing its pros and cons, and has succeeded in establishing a juxtaposition between married and single life. The language used is very sophisticated and all the thoughts expressed in this prose have been supported with adequate arguments and reasoning, as is characteristic of Bacon’s style. Covering all the facets of the topic, he presents a well-balanced and holistic view on it.

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Essays, civil and moral (Harvard Classics)/Of Marriage and Single Life

OF MARRIAGE AND SINGLE LIFE

He that hath wife and children hath given hostages to fortune; for they are impediments to great enterprises, either of virtue or mischief. Certainly the best works, and of greatest merit for the public, have proceeded from the unmarried or childless men; which both in affection and means have married and endowed the public. Yet it were great reason that those that have children should have greatest care of future times; unto which they know they must transmit their dearest pledges. Some there are, who though they lead a single life, yet their thoughts do end with themselves, and account future times impertinences. [1] Nay, there are some other that account wife and children but as bills of charges. Nay more, there are some foolish rich covetous men, that take a pride in having no children, because they may be thought so much the richer. For perhaps they have heard some talk. Such an one is a great rich man, and another except to it. Yea, but he hath a great charge of children; as if it were an abatement to his riches. But the most ordinary cause of a single life is liberty, especially in certain self-pleasing and humorous [2] minds, which are so sensible of every restraint, as they will go near to think their girdles and garters to be bonds and shackles. Unmarried men are best friends, best masters, best servants; but not always best subjects; for they are light to run away; and almost all fugitives are of that condition. A single life doth well with churchmen; for charity will hardly water the ground where it must first fill a pool. It is indifferent for judges and magistrates; for if they be facile and corrupt, you shall have a servant five times worse than a wife. For soldiers, I find the generals commonly in their hortatives put men in mind of their wives and children; and I think the despising of marriage amongst the Turks maketh the vulgar soldier more base. Certainly wife and children are a kind of discipline of humanity; and single men, though they may be many times more charitable, because their means are less exhaust, ​ yet, on the other side, they are more cruel and hardhearted (good to make severe inquisitors), because their tenderness is not so oft called upon. Grave natures, led by custom, and therefore constant, are commonly loving husbands, as was said of Ulysses, vetulam suam prætulit immortalitati [he preferred his old wife to immortality]. Chaste women are often proud and froward, as presuming upon the merit of their chastity. It is one of the best bonds both of chastity and obedience in the wife, if she think her husband wise; which she will never do if she find him jealous. Wives are young men's mistresses; companions for middle age; and old men's nurses. So as a man may have a quarrel [3] to marry when he will. But yet he [4] was reputed one of the wise men, that made answer to the question, when a man should marry,— A young man not yet, an elder man not at all. It is often seen that bad husbands have very good wives; whether it be that it raiseth the price of their husband's kindness when it comes; or that the wives take a pride in their patience. But this never fails, if the bad husbands were of their own choosing, against their friends' consent; for then they will be sure to make good their own folly.

• ↑ Not their affair.
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Kyra Sedgwick on Finding Freedom in Directing, Plans to Make a Horror Movie With Her Family, and That One Time She Was Jealous of Kevin Bacon

By Brent Lang

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“Don’t worry,” Kyra Sedgwick assures me as she assembles a salad. “I washed my hands.”

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Sedgwick, an Emmy winner who spent eight seasons coaxing confessions from murder suspects on TNT’s hugely popular “ The Closer ,” could command a bigger stage than the nonprofit The New Group. But she believes in “All of Me” and hopes to turn it into a feature film, one that she would appear in, as well as produce and direct. “It’s all part of my evil plan,” she says, arching her eyebrow. 

It’s also part of a career shift that Sedgwick has undertaken in recent years, one that’s kept her as busy behind the camera as in front of it. In 2022, she made her feature film directing debut with “Space Oddity,” which follows a young man who books a ticket to Mars, and explores familial guilt and environmental responsibility along the way. She’d done a lot of directing to get to that point, overseeing episodes of “Brooklyn Nine-Nine” and “Ray Donovan,” as well as the Lifetime movie “Story of a Girl,” which earned her a DGA Award nomination. 

Through her company, Big Swing, Sedgwick produced “Space Oddity” and the LGBTQ+ love story “Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe.” Her biggest project yet, a TV series called “The Challenger,” just landed at Amazon MGM Studios after a bidding war. Kristen Stewart will play Sally Ride, the first American woman to fly in space. “We put this all together just by being scrappy and tenacious and not giving up,” Sedgwick says.

And she’s developing several movies, including “Bellyache,” a drama about an alcoholic, and a horror film she would star in with Bacon and their adult daughter, Sosie. The couple wants to co-direct the film, though the Directors Guild has other ideas. 

“It’s very hard to get dual directing credit,” Sedgwick explains. “If you promise the DGA that you will only direct together for the rest of your lives, then they’re more inclined to do it. But if not, they won’t.”

She and Bacon have a deal — whoever does the prep work gets the credit. “We’ll figure it out,” she says with a flick of her hand. “But I’m very strategic. I wonder if more people will see this if it’s a Kevin Bacon film than a Kyra Sedgwick film?” 

As she’s changed her focus, Hollywood hasn’t always been encouraging. The kinds of movies Sedgwick leans toward, family stories, aren’t in vogue at the major studios, and that’s left her clawing for financing and hustling to put together projects without the luxury of big backers. Even though the industry has made pledges to hire more women and people of color to direct movies, Sedgwick believes some prejudices are taking longer to dispel. 

“We’re going backwards,” she says. “People feel more comfortable with a male director on the studio side than they do with a female director. And I don’t know why. I also think that women are not allowed to fail. Men fail up constantly.”

And she’s sick of being told, “It’s hard out there,” a refrain she heard frequently as she tried to get “Space Oddity” off the ground. “I’m like, ‘When has it not been hard?’ Tell me a time when it’s not been hard for a woman. And I’m a white woman, so it’s easier for me, and let me tell you it’s been pretty fucking hard.” 

“I felt like I could create the safe, sane working environment that I’d always wanted,” she says. “If we all say ‘Thank you’ to that sound person who hustled or the grip who did the lighting, what actually happens? And because of that basic human decency, we had almost no crew attrition. Most of the crew we had that first year were still there for Season 8.” 

That’s certainly how she approached work on “All of Me.” Madison Ferris, who stars as Sedgwick’s daughter, says the actress “is like a mom,” often showing up at rehearsals with cookies. When Ferris told Sedgwick about an upcoming audition she was worried about, her castmate volunteered to help her prepare for it. 

“When she looks you in the eye, it’s hard not to be honest and be like, ‘I’m going through this tough time,’” Ferris says. “Talking to Kyra is like talking to a dear friend; you just want to tell her all your secrets.” 

Sedgwick is certainly unguarded about her struggles in the industry. “I was never an A-lister,” she offers at one point. When I counter that “The Closer” was the most-watched basic cable series when it aired, she admits she’s sorry it didn’t lead to other strong roles. “I would try to get jobs during my hiatus,” she says. “And I landed some good ones that did well. But I was never able to parlay the success of ‘The Closer’ into more great features or TV work. Like, I would have loved to have been in ‘Succession.’” 

Having a partner in Bacon, who can compare bruises from years in the Hollywood trenches, helps. They read each other’s projects and talk about which offers to take; they’ve also decided to work with each other more often. Bacon appeared in “Space Oddity,” and the pair are starring in an untitled dramedy where he plays a man with a prostate problem and she’s a urologist. They also maintain an active social media presence, posting videos on Instagram where they serenade the livestock on their Connecticut farm with a cover of Beyoncé’s “Texas Hold ’Em” or dance through their apartment to “She-Zee-Zee,” a 2020 earworm Bacon co-wrote for his band, the Bacon Brothers. 

“Kev drags me kicking and screaming to do these things, but they’re actually really fun,” Sedgwick says. “And transactionally, I have to say when Kevin and I do something together, it goes off the charts.” 

But do they ever get competitive, I wonder. Sedgwick pauses, remembering a fleeting moment of envy from the set of the Queen Latifah comedy “Beauty Shop.” She was visiting Bacon there during a rare fallow period.

“I hadn’t worked for the entire year,” Sedgwick says. “And I saw him sitting there in ridiculous hair extensions, and he was having the time of his life. And he had such a fucking big trailer. I remember going, ‘I’m jealous.’ That was the first and last time.” 

“What was she thinking?” Sedgwick says with a laugh. “Being an actor means having long periods without jobs, and it’s really painful to watch when it’s your kid.” But Sedgwick believes her daughter has what it takes. “The camera just sees into her soul,” she says. “She’s the best actor in the family.” 

Sedgwick thinks Sosie has a bright future, even if she’s realistic about the challenges she’ll face. There’s an adage that Bacon coined and Sedgwick references during lunch — it sums up their approach to the setbacks, triumphs and reinventions that are part of any decades-long career in a business that treats talent as expirable. 

“The secret to longevity is longevity,” she says. “It’s just staying in the game.”

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Essay 8, Of Marriage and Single Life

By francis bacon.