Ascent Quote by Francis Bacon
“There are and can be only two ways of searching into and discovering truth. The one flies from the senses and particulars to the most general axioms, and from these principles, the truth of which it takes for settled and immovable, proceeds to judgment and to the discovery of middle axioms. And this way is now in fashion. The other derives axioms from the senses and particulars, rising by a gradual and unbroken ascent, so that it arrives at the most general axioms last of all. This is the true way, but as yet untried.”
About This Quote
Source Treatise: Novum Organum, Francis Bacon, 1620
Two methods to discover truth: one starts with abstract principles and works down, the other builds from concrete observations upward; the latter is the true but untried path.
In simple terms: Truth can be found by building from facts, not from assumptions.
Key Takeaway
Base knowledge on observation.
Themes
methodology
knowledge
science
Mood
analytical
inquisitive
Type
philosophical
educational
When to use this quote
- research
- education
- policy making
- everyday decision making
Key Concepts
empiricism
induction
philosophy
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you apply observation‑first thinking?
- What assumptions do you often start with?
A Different Perspective
Empirical method can be slow and may lack clear guidance early on.
