Francis Bacon – On Courage

Francis Bacon – On Boldness

Although this is a trivial school example, it is still worth considering the words of a wise man: when Demosthenes was asked what is most important in a speaker, he replied: “Speaking.” And after that? “Speaking again,” he answered.

This is how he spoke, even though he knew it best, even though he was not naturally talented in what he emphasized.

It is strange that this aspect of oratory, which is only superficial and more akin to acting, is held in such high regard, above other noble aspects such as creativity, the choice of an appropriate speaking style, and so on; and moreover, it is singled out as if it is everything. But the reason for this is clear. In human nature, there is usually more foolishness than wisdom, and therefore the abilities that attract the foolish side of the human mind are the strongest.

The case is very similar when it comes to politics. What comes first? Boldness. What comes second, what comes third? Boldness. And yet, boldness is a product of ignorance and rudeness, and it lags far behind other characteristics. However, despite this, she captivates and ties the hands and feet of those of short intelligence or lacking in bravery, and there are many such people; moreover, she even defeats wise men in moments of weakness. Hence, we see how she works wonders among the broad layers of the people, but less so in the senate and at the courts; and always more when daring individuals first step onto the stage, rather than soon after, because bravery is a poor guardian of promises.

Certainly, just as there are charlatans in medicine, there are also in politics; these are people who take on great endeavors, and perhaps luck serves them in two or three attempts, but they lack scientific foundations, and therefore cannot persist.

You will see that a daring person often performs Muhammad’s miracle. Muhammad convinced the people that he would summon a mountain to come to him and offer prayers from its peak for the well-being of his followers. The people gathered; Muhammad called the mountain to come to him several times, and when the mountain remained motionless, Muhammad was not at all confused, but said: If the mountain does not come to Muhammad, Muhammad will come to the mountain.

Thus, Ah, these people: when they promise great things and then shamefully fail, they still (if they are perfectly daring) brush it off and, without caring at all, move on.

Indeed, for wise-minded people, it is amusing to see those who boast about their audacity; moreover, even ordinary people find something funny in daringness. For if foolishness is an object of laughter, do not doubt that there is always some foolishness in great audacity.

It is particularly entertaining to see when a hero is confused because his face then tightens and becomes rigid, as it should, because in shyness, life energy flows slowly, while in daring people, in a similar situation, it stands still like a pawn in chess, and even though it is not checkmate, the game cannot continue.

But this last point is more suitable for satire than serious consideration.

It should be kept in mind that audacity is always blind because it does not see danger and mishaps. That is why it is a poor advisor but a good executor; that is why daring people should never be placed in positions of command, but rather as assistants. It is important to be able to recognize dangers in consultation, but in implementation, they should not be seen, unless they are extremely large.