Francis Bacon – On Newspapers
Just as the offspring of living beings are poorly formed in the beginning, so are all newspapers, which are the product of their time. And yet, just as those who first bring glory to their family are usually more admirable than the majority of their descendants, so the first predecessor (if good) is rarely surpassed by imitation.
For, human nature is naturally inclined towards what is evil, so things tend to deteriorate over time, while what is good is strongest in the beginning. Certainly, every newspaper is a remedy, and whoever refuses to apply new remedies must expect new evils; for time is the greatest innovator, and if time corrupts things, and wisdom and reason do not fix them, what will be the outcome?
It is true that what is established by custom, even if not good, is at least appropriate; and things that have long been together, seem to be interconnected; however, new things do not fit in well among them, so even though they help with their usefulness, they interfere with their lack of harmony. Besides, they are like strangers: they are admired more than they are loved. It would all be correct if time did not move; however, it moves so fast that stubbornly clinging to tradition creates the same confusion as embracing change; and those who excessively worship past times expose themselves to the contempt of the present. It would be good for people to follow the example of the present time in their newspapers, which truly brings a lot of new things, but quietly and gradually so that it is barely noticed.
Because, otherwise, whatever is new is unexpected; and it always benefits some and harms others; and the one who is helped feels that luck was on their side and thanks the time; and the one who is harmed feels that injustice has been done to them and complains about the perpetrator. Similarly, it is good not to experiment with state affairs, except when necessary, or when the benefits are evident, and to ensure that transformation brings about change and not that the desire for change creates reasons for transformation.
And, finally, towards change, even when it is not rejected, it should be considered; and as the Bible says: Step onto the former roads, inquire about the ancient paths: Which road leads to goodness? Follow it.