Able Quote by Francis Bacon
“He that seeketh to be eminent amongst able men hath a great task; but that is ever good for the public. But he that plots to be the only figure amongst ciphers is the decay of a whole age.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: The Advancement of Learning, 1605
The ambition to excel among the capable serves society, while selfish scheming harms an era.
In simple terms: Helping others is noble; selfishness damages society.
Key Takeaway
Pursue collective good, avoid selfish ambition.
Themes
leadership
ethics
society
ambition
Mood
reflective
serious
Type
moral
philosophical
When to use this quote
- political leadership
- corporate governance
- community projects
Key Concepts
human nature
public good
corruption
Questions to Reflect On
- How does personal ambition affect the common good?
- When does ambition become harmful?
A Different Perspective
Selfish pursuits can erode trust and progress.
![“He that plots to be the only figure among ciphers [zeros], is the decay of the whole age.” quote by Francis Bacon](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/157/francis-bacon-297_age_he-that-plots-to-be-the-only-figure-amon_1201452.jpg)
