Of Truth - Francis Bacon

Summary and Analysis 

In this essay, Bacon presents objective truth in different forms. He also discusses subjective truth, which is used in social life. "Of Truth" is considered one of Bacon's best essays, showing his sharp observation of human nature, especially about truth. At the beginning of the essay, Bacon points out that people generally do not care much for truth. He gives the example of Pilate, the governor of the Roman Empire, who during the trial of Jesus Christ, did no care for truth. "What is truth? Said jesting Pilate; and would not stay for an answer."

Bacon explains why people do not like truth. First, truth can only be gained through hard work, and people are naturally lazy to work hard. Second, truth limits a person's freedom. But the main reason people dislike truth is because they are attached to lies. Bacon says that truth is like the bright light of day, which clearly shows what people truly are. On the other hand, lies are like dim light, under which people appear more attractive and colourful. Bacon also says, "A mixture of a lie doth ever add pleasure," meaning lies often make life more pleasant.

People love illusions, which make life more interesting. Bacon observes that if people lose their false pride and vanities, their minds would shrink like a deflated balloon, and they would become poor, sad, and ill. Bacon also talks about poetic untruth, which is a wine of the Devil in priest's eyes. He says that though poetic lies are creations of imagination, they are not as harmful as ordinary lies. Poetic untruth is only a "shadow of a lie." Bacon compares the enquiry of truth, the knowledge of truth, and the belief of truth to the enjoyment of love. This comparison adds literary charm to this essay.

Bacon also says that in the creation of the world, the last thing God created was the human mind with the power of reason. This reason is the special blessing that helps man find truth. Bacon says, "The last was the light of reason... the illumination of His spirit."

Bacon's moral idealism becomes clear when he argues that the world can become like paradise only through truth. He says that a person should always follow truth, do acts of charity, and have strong faith in God. Bacon's deep belief in truth and Divinity is shown when he says: "Certainly, it is heaven upon earth, to have a man's mind move in charity, rest in Providence, and turn upon the poles of truth."

After talking about objective truth, Bacon discusses truth in civil life, which means truth in social dealings. Bacon says even dishonest people recognize and respect the value of truth. Clear and honest dealing is the true honour of human nature. Mixing lies with truth is like mixing base metals into gold and silver. It may make the metal stronger, but it makes it impure.


Bacon compares liars to snakes that crawl on their bellies, which is a low and shameful act. He also mentions Montaigne, a French writer, who says that “a lie faces God but shrinks from man.” Bacon adds that falsehood is the greatest evil and invites God's punishment at the Day of Judgment. Bacon ends the essay with a strong moral lesson. He teaches that truth is necessary for human happiness and for a peaceful life. Therefore, Bacon ends his essay with a lesson full of Christian morality.

Throughout "Of Truth," Bacon stays focused on the main idea of truth. He does not go off the topic. He shows his wide knowledge by referring to Pilate from history, Lucian from Greek literature, Creation from religion, and Montaigne from French essays.

"Of Truth" is enriched with striking similes and analogies. Bacon compares liars to a snake crawling on the ground. He says that a mixture of falsehood is like an alloy of gold and silver. Similarly, truth is compared to "open daylight," while a lie is like "candlelight," meaning a dim and fake light. Truth is like a "pearl," which is precious and pure, whereas a lie is like a "diamond" that creates light illusions when seen in daylight.

Bacon’s language in this essay is simple, natural, and clear. Although there is a little Latin influence, most sentences are short and easy to understand. Bacon also uses aphorisms, which are short, wise, and memorable sayings. Therefore, Bacon’s essay "Of Truth" is rich both in ideas and in style. This essay is truly a piece of advice about civil and moral life.