Francis Bacon

"I would by all means have men beware, lest Æsop's pretty fable of the fly that sate [sic] on the pole of a chariot at the Olympic races and said, 'What a dust do I raise,' be verified in them. For so it is that some small observation, and that disturbed sometimes by the instrument, sometimes by the eye, sometimes by the calculation, and which may be owing to some real change in the heaven, raises new heavens and new spheres and circles."

7 likes

Source: 'Essays' (1625) 'Of Nobility'

About the author

Francis Bacon

Francis Bacon

Philosopher, Statesman

Francis Bacon was an English philosopher and statesman known for developing the scientific method and advocating for empirical research.

All quotes by Francis Bacon →

Same author

More quotes by Francis Bacon

See all →
Francis Bacon Philosopher, Statesman

"Begin doing what you want to do now. We are not living in eternity. We have only this moment, sparkling like a star in our hand - and melting like a snowflake."

Read quote
Francis Bacon Philosopher, Statesman

"There is a difference between happiness and wisdom: he that thinks himself the happiest man is really so; but he that thinks himself the wisest is generally the greatest fool."

Read quote