Accidents Quote by Francis Bacon
“No one has yet been found so firm of mind and purpose as resolutely to compel himself to sweep away all theories and common notions, and to apply the understanding, thus made fair and even, to a fresh examination of particulars. Thus it happens that human knowledge, as we have it, is a mere medley and ill-digested mass, made up of much credulity and much accident, and also of the childish notions which we at first imbibed.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: The Advancement of Learning, 1605
Human knowledge is a confused mix of untested ideas and accidents; rigorous, unbiased examination of facts is needed to replace superstition with truth.
In simple terms: Our ideas are messy; we must test them carefully.
Key Takeaway
Question assumptions and examine evidence directly.
Themes
knowledge
critical thinking
methodology
truth
Mood
inquisitive
analytical
Type
philosophical
educational
When to use this quote
- scientific research
- education
- policy making
- media analysis
Key Concepts
empiricism
skepticism
philosophy
Questions to Reflect On
- What assumptions do you accept without testing?
- How can you apply fair analysis today?
A Different Perspective
Changing entrenched beliefs is difficult; resistance may occur.
