Finished reading the Essays of Francis Bacon. The book has some merit, but it is certainly not on my list of things to read often. Francis Bacon was a Englishman, a scientist, and an Anglican Christian. Apparently, he was well-versed in a number of other areas as well, as is evidenced in Essays. Further research points out that he was an "English philosopher, statesman, scientist, lawyer, jurist, and author. He served both as Attorney General and Lord Chancellor of England." 1
The essays deal a lot with politics, business, and society (all in a European Parliamentary Monarchy setting). The chief merit of the essays is their deep insights, explanation, directions, advice, teaching and directives to those who are involved in high-level society. The wisdom comes in a level, non-partisan way that reveals a deep knowledge of how things are, and how to best succeed in that reality. Bacon was either a very high-class figure, or had studied high society and gained real insight. The style is direct, not open for discussion, but backed up by reasons and example. The writing betrays much study and comprehensive knowledge. I was particularly amazed at his detailed discussion of a state garden, and the way horticulture "ought to be."
One challenge for the modern reader is this: Though the main text is in English, Bacon includes a fair amount of Latin, which was not translated. As he does not often explain, the reader may sometimes feel that the most important message is lost because of this language barrier. In defense of the text, most readers from this time period had a full textual understanding of Latin, and this linguistic change would have added distinct emphasis and authority to each point.
For most people, this would not be an enjoyable book. I found myself only part liking it.
If you are in (or contemplating) business or politics, I would recommend this book for serious study. Treat it not as an easy read, but as a textbook. Each essay forms a lesson inviting study, remuneration, experiment, and application. Remember the difference in audience and application; take what's helpful and leave the rest.
They are Public Domain now, and can be accessed for free here:
http://www.gutenberg.org/etext/575
http://www.westegg.com/bacon/index.essays.html
1: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Francis_Bacon
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Bacon's Novum Organum was (I think and hope) one of the two most influential books to my thought process. He really changed the human mind for those who read it. Academic, but insightful. The other work was Descartes' Discourse on Method and Meditations. It's amazing that these two contemporaries came to the same philosophical point, although Descartes put these principles into practice. To me, one is a 'how to' book, while the other is an 'I did' book. Have you read either, and if so, what did you think?
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