Causes Quote by Francis Bacon
“It is rightly laid down that 'true knowledge is knowledge by causes'. Also the establishment of four causes is not bad: material, formal, efficient and final.”
About This Quote
Source Book: Novum Organum, 1620
True knowledge requires understanding underlying causes; the four causes explain existence and change.
In simple terms: Know causes to truly know things.
Key Takeaway
Seek underlying reasons.
Themes
philosophy
epistemology
causality
Mood
thoughtful
inquisitive
Type
analytical
educational
When to use this quote
- research
- education
- problem solving
- policy analysis
Key Concepts
Aristotelian causation
scientific method
Questions to Reflect On
- What causes do you overlook?
- How does cause analysis improve decisions?
A Different Perspective
Complex causes can be hard to isolate.
![“Well the first time I performed, my mom was like how she is now when sees me on stage – all red, smiling from ear to ear. So I don’t want to mess up, [be]cause she’s smiling. Seeing my mom happy is kind of like an overwhelming feeling.” quote by Chris Brown](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/477/chris-brown-1887_causes_well-the-first-time-i-performed-my-mom-w_4699.jpg)