Admonition Quote by Francis Bacon
““I would address one general admonition to all, that they consider what are the true ends of knowledge, and that they seek it not either for pleasure of the mind, or for contention, or for superiority to others, or for profit, or for fame, or power, or any of these inferior things, but for the benefit and use of life; and that they perfect and govern it in charity. For it was from lust of power that the Angels fell, from lust of knowledge that man fell, but of charity there can be no excess, neither did angel or man come in danger by it.””
About This Quote
Source Treat: Essays, Moral and Political, 1625
The quote urges seeking knowledge for life's benefit and charitable purpose, not for selfish motives like fame, profit, or power.
In simple terms: Seek knowledge to help life, not for ego or gain.
Key Takeaway
Pursue learning that serves others.
Themes
knowledge
ethics
purpose
charity
humility
Mood
reflective
serious
Type
philosophical
ethical
When to use this quote
- education reform
- public policy
- personal development
- community service
Key Concepts
moral philosophy
human nature
spirituality
Questions to Reflect On
- How can we align personal ambition with charitable knowledge?
- What structures support knowledge for communal benefit?
A Different Perspective
The ideal of pure charity may clash with practical human ambitions and institutional incentives.
![“Reprehension is a kind of middle thing betwixt admonition and correction: it is sharpe admonition, but a milde correction. It is rather to be used because it may be a meanes to prevent strokes and blowes, especially in ingenuous and good natured children. [Blows are] the last remedy which a parent…” quote by William Gouge](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/8b8/william-gouge-47709_admonition_reprehension-is-a-kind-of-middle-thing-b_174332.jpg)
