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    Xtylïßh Ňãfîô Sïñdhï
    Sir Francis Bacon analyzes the importance of studies in his essay "Of Studies". He argues that studies should not only involve book learning, but also experience. Experience is necessary to apply what is learned from books. Bacon identifies three main purposes of studies: for delight, as an ornament to improve social skills, and to enhance judgment and ability to handle business matters. However, studies are incomplete without experience, which helps refine one's natural abilities and talents. A well-rounded education involves both studying books and gaining experiences from life.

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    Sir Francis Bacon analyzes the importance of studies in his essay "Of Studies". He argues that studies should not only involve book learning, but also experience. Experience is necessary to apply what is learned from books. Bacon identifies three main purposes of studies: for delight, as an ornament to improve social skills, and to enhance judgment and ability to handle business matters. However, studies are incomplete without experience, which helps refine one's natural abilities and talents. A well-rounded education involves both studying books and gaining experiences from life.

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    Sir Francis Bacon analyzes the importance of studies in his essay "Of Studies". He argues that studies should not only involve book learning, but also experience. Experience is necessary to apply what is learned from books. Bacon identifies three main purposes of studies: for delight, as an ornament to improve social skills, and to enhance judgment and ability to handle business matters. However, studies are incomplete without experience, which helps refine one's natural abilities and talents. A well-rounded education involves both studying books and gaining experiences from life.

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    Xtylïßh Ňãfîô Sïñdhï
    Sir Francis Bacon analyzes the importance of studies in his essay "Of Studies". He argues that studies should not only involve book learning, but also experience. Experience is necessary to apply what is learned from books. Bacon identifies three main purposes of studies: for delight, as an ornament to improve social skills, and to enhance judgment and ability to handle business matters. However, studies are incomplete without experience, which helps refine one's natural abilities and talents. A well-rounded education involves both studying books and gaining experiences from life.

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    “Of Studies” is one of the most quoted essays of Sir Francis Bacon.

    He has analyzed the importance of


    studies; therefore, in this essay, he convinces his readers to know its vitality. He does not only talk about
    bookish knowledge but also demonstrates the importance of experience; without experience, the
    studies cannot help a person, means Sir Francis Bacon. Moreover, in his eyes, studies and education are
    two separate things. However, he agrees that education is the name of studying books and experiences
    of life. He answers some common questions that arise in every common mind. For instance, he answers
    why we should read books; what are the impacts of studies in one’s life; why study without experience
    is useless; and many other such like questions.

    He elaborates each assertion through either reference or example. Style of the author is simple but his
    arguments are much effective. Further, he uses concise sentences, similes, and Latin phrases to
    strengthen his stance.

    Watch complete video based on this article

    Three Types of studies in the Eyes of Sir Francis Bacon:

    From the very beginning of the essay, Sir Francis Bacon divides studies into three categories; in fact,
    these three types are benefits of studies. Studies serve three purposes, says Sir Francis Bacon, “delight”,
    “ornament” and “ability”. In Bacon’s times, the drama was banned; drama may have a moral purpose
    but it is certainly a source of entertainment. It was forbidden in that era; therefore, people had no other
    option except to rely upon books; thus, books replaced stage. From that point of view, if we think, then
    books are the source of entertainment. It may be the reason that Bacon has used the word “delight”.
    From modern views, there are still people in the world, who find delight in books instead of movies and
    plays.

    However, in next lines, he has explained the word “delight” while saying, “their chief use for delight, is in
    privateness and retiring”. Hence, only words are diff erent but the purpose is same i.e. entertainment.

    Ornaments:
    The second purpose that studies serve is “ornaments”. A person, after learning from books, can present
    himself in a good manner. Studies also help a person learn etiquettes. His societal impression is
    improved and he becomes wise in the eyes of people. However, Bacon has used only one word to
    explain, “ornament” i.e. “discourse”. Thereby, studies increase the speaking power of a person but the
    word “discourse” also needs explanation. It has many meanings; discourse has different types; romantic,
    professional, religious, motivational, debate etc. Nevertheless, considering in view the worldly approach
    of the author, he may have used it as a professional speaking power or perhaps, he is talking about
    impressive discourse in every field of life whether it is profession, religion or romance.
    Elaboration of the third purpose of studies, according to Sir Francis Bacon is “judgment and disposition
    of business”. It is somewhat professional. Studies can help a person in dealing with business matters.
    Thereby, studies support a person in professional life. Sir Francis Bacon has also used the word
    “judgment” to infer that studies enhance mental eyesight of a person. His vision becomes strong and he
    takes quick as well as accurate decisions in business matters.

    Experience is the Key Factor:


    All three purposes are useless without experience, says Bacon. Too much study for “delight” makes a
    person lazy; ornamentation makes him showcase; similarly, cramming bundle of rules from books does
    not increase his ability nor does it help him enhancing his thinking capacity. Everyone has natural
    abilities and studies make them perfect but along with studies, the experience is also required to gain
    perfection. It actually improves the mentality of a person. In order to elaborate it further, Bacon uses
    similes, which are worth mentioning:-

    “the natural abilities are like natural plants, that need proyning by study; and studies themselves do give
    forth directions too much at large, except they be bounded in by experience.”

    Sir Francis Bacon


    Hence, studies show a person thousands of paths to walk but experience helps choosing the right one.
    Additionally, different types of men see studies differently; some people do not give studies any value;
    some appreciate them; but wise are those, who perfectly use them.

    Why and What Kind of Books should We Study?


    After describing the importance of study, Francis Bacon gives his own opinions, “read….to weigh and
    consider”. A person should not read books to win over a debate or to oppose arguments of others; nor
    should he read to believe on each and everything written in the book; rather he should study books to
    know the difference between right and wrong. Moreover, not every book is worth reading. He divides
    books, too, into three categories; “tasted”, “swallowed”, and “chewed and digested”. “Tasted” books
    are those, which require no special attention. A reader just needs to go through them; books that come
    in the category of “swallowed” need a little attention. Category, “Chewed and digested” is self-
    explanatory. These kinds of books need the full concentration of the readers. Each word and every line
    should be chewed completely and then digested.
    Some Subjects and Their Purposes:
    If a person has a habit of reading books then Bacon guarantees improvement in his temperament. If he
    is used to exchanging dialogues then his wit is going to be enhanced. Above all, if he reads books and
    then writes down every important suggestion or advice then this method will definitely increase his
    intellectuality. Francis Bacon, at the end of the essay, creates a list of different subjects and sorts them
    by their benefits. Here is the list of books and their benefits:-

    History increases wisdom.

    Poetry enhances imagination.

    Mathematics makes a person subtle.

    Philosophy deepens thinking.

    Logic and rhetoric help to contend.

    Thus, a person needs to study the relevant subject as per his choice or requirement. If he wants wisdom,
    history can help him. If he wants imaginative powers, his concern should be poetry. Similarly,
    mathematics, philosophy, and logic serve their specific purposes. In Bacon’s eyes, a person can improve
    himself as much as he can; he just needs to focus. He actually wants to say that, “reading is to the mind
    what exercise is to the body”. With body, the mind also needs exercise; therefore, every person needs
    to do an exercise of the mind; he can do it by studying books.

    Conclusion of “Of Studies” by Sir Francis Bacon:


    The whole essay proves the intellectuality of Sir Francis Bacon. It is full of wisdom. Every line, written by
    the author, is philosophically rich. His philosophy is definitely praiseworthy. Moreover, he is called the
    father of English prose not only because of his deep philosophy but also because of his writing style. He
    uses exact words to summarize his viewpoint. He tries to demonstrate his thinking in concise words. This
    essay is well knitted. There is no denying the fact that “Of Studies” is the pure creation of Sir Francis
    Bacon. In short, this essay is enough to regard him as the father of English prose.

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