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Nay, the same Solomon the king, although he excelled in…

“Nay, the same Solomon the king, although he excelled in the glory of treasure and magnificent buildings, of shipping and navigation, of service and attendance, of fame and renown, and the like, yet he maketh no claim to any of those glories, but only to the glory of inquisition of truth; for so he…” quote by Francis Bacon
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““Nay, the same Solomon the king, although he excelled in the glory of treasure and magnificent buildings, of shipping and navigation, of service and attendance, of fame and renown, and the like, yet he maketh no claim to any of those glories, but only to the glory of inquisition of truth; for so he saith expressly, "The glory of God is to conceal a thing, but the glory of the king is to find it out;" as if, according to the innocent play of children, the Divine Majesty took delight to hide His works, to the end to have them found out; and as if kings could not obtain a greater honour than to be God's playfellows in that game””

Francis Bacon

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

The king values the pursuit of truth above material glory, seeing the discovery of hidden knowledge as a divine partnership.

In simple terms: Kings should prize truth‑seeking more than wealth or fame.

Key Takeaway

Prioritize seeking truth over worldly accolades.

Themes

knowledge humility divine partnership leadership

Mood

reflective inspirational

Type

philosophical didactic

When to use this quote

  • courtly decision‑making
  • educational reform
  • scientific inquiry
  • ethical governance

Key Concepts

epistemology royal duty spiritual insight

Questions to Reflect On

  • What truths are worth pursuing despite personal cost?
  • How can leaders encourage truth‑seeking in society?
A Different Perspective

Truth can be hidden and hard to find, requiring effort and humility.

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