Simple summary of Francis Bacon's essay "Of Studies" BA English (ENG3B03) University of Calicut - III Semester
Easy Module for BA English (ENG3B03) University of Calicut - III Semester
Summary of "Of Studies" by Francis Bacon
This essay by Francis Bacon tells us about why we study and how we should study.
1. Why Do We Study? (The Reasons to Study)
Bacon says we study for three main reasons:
- For Fun (Delight): We study to enjoy ourselves when we are alone. It's like reading a fun story.
- To Talk Better (Ornament): We study to sound smart and interesting when we talk to others. It helps us decorate our conversations.
- To Be Good at Work (Ability): We study to make good decisions and be good at our jobs or in business. It gives us skills.
2. How NOT to Study (Mistakes to Avoid)
Bacon also warns us about mistakes people make with studies:
- Too Much Time: Don't spend too much time studying. If you only study and do nothing else, you become lazy.
- Too Much Show-off: Don't study just to show off how smart you are. It's not good to just use fancy words.
- Only Rules: Don't follow only the rules you learn from books. Life is not just about rules; you need to think for yourself too.
3. How to Read Books (Different Ways to Read)
Bacon says there are different ways to read books:
- Taste Some Books: Some books you only need to read a small part of. You don't need to read everything.
- Swallow Some Books: Some books you can read quickly, from start to finish, but you don't need to think too deeply about them.
- Chew and Digest Some Books: These are the most important books! You need to read them slowly, carefully, and think a lot about what they mean. You need to understand every part.
4. What Different Studies Do For You
Bacon says different subjects help you in different ways:
- History: Makes you wise (you learn from past mistakes).
- Poetry: Makes you witty (good at jokes and clever ideas).
- Maths: Makes you sharp and good at solving problems.
- Science (Natural Philosophy): Makes you deep (you understand things very well).
- Moral Studies (Moral Philosophy): Makes you serious and thoughtful.
- Logic and Debating (Logic and Rhetoric): Make you good at arguing and explaining your ideas clearly.
Main Idea to Remember:
Bacon believes that reading makes a person full of knowledge. Talking to others (conference) makes a person ready to speak quickly and well. Writing makes a person exact and precise in their thoughts.
So, studying is important, but you must study in the right way and use your knowledge well in life!
Summary of “Of Studies” by Francis Bacon
(University of Calicut – BA English (ENG3B03) – III Semester)
What is this essay about?
This essay is about the importance of reading and studying in our life. Bacon tells us why we should study, how we should study, and what we get from it.
📘 Main Ideas (in simple words):
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Why do we study?
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We study to get pleasure, to have knowledge for discussion, and to use in real life (judgment and business).
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How do people use studies?
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Wise people use what they learn.
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Some people just read for fun, some for showing off, but the best way is to use what we learn in our life.
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What are books for?
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Some books are to be read fully.
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Some are to be read quickly.
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Some are only to be looked at for ideas.
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What do studies give us?
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Reading makes us smart.
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Speaking (discussion) makes us sharp.
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Writing makes us clear in thinking.
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Different subjects help in different ways:
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Mathematics helps in clear thinking.
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History helps in judging people.
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Philosophy helps us understand life.
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Studies can fix problems:
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Like exercise cures the body, studies can help correct our mind.
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For example:
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If someone is slow, study math.
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If someone is not good with people, study philosophy.
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✅ Easy Tips to Remember:
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Study for usefulness, not just for show.
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Use what you learn in real life.
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Choose the right book for the right purpose.
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Talk about what you read – it helps to understand better.
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