“Men fear death as children fear to go in the dark; and as that natural fear in children is increased by tales, so is the other.”
- January 22, 1561 – April 9, 1626
- Born in England
- Philosopher, theologian, jurist, politician, aristocrat
- Proposed the “inductive method” that laid the foundations of modern science, and influenced later generations as the founder of British empiricism
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Quote
“Men fear death as children fear to go in the dark; and as that natural fear in children is increased by tales, so is the other.”
Explanation
In this quote, Francis Bacon draws a parallel between the fear of death in adults and the fear of darkness in children. He suggests that both fears are natural and instinctive, arising from the unknown and the uncertain. Just as children fear the dark because they cannot see what lies ahead and are unsure of what dangers it holds, so do adults fear death because it represents an unknown and unpredictable experience. Bacon further suggests that these fears are often exaggerated or amplified by stories and myths—just as children’s fear of the dark is often heightened by scary tales, so too is the fear of death often increased by superstition, cultural narratives, and philosophical uncertainty. In essence, Bacon implies that our fears are shaped not just by the things we face but by the stories and ideas we are exposed to, which can distort or exaggerate our natural anxieties.
Bacon’s perspective reflects the Renaissance understanding of fear and human nature, where reason and knowledge were seen as the tools to conquer irrational fears. During this period, thinkers like Bacon sought to apply empirical and rational thinking to all areas of life, including understanding death. Bacon likely saw the fear of death as a natural response to the unknown, but one that could be mitigated through reason, reflection, and a better understanding of the nature of life and death.
In modern times, this quote resonates with our ongoing reflections on fear, death, and the unknown. Today, we still recognize that much of our fear of death is tied to the uncertainty of what lies beyond life and the stories we are told—whether through religion, philosophy, or media. Bacon’s insight encourages us to question and understand the source of our fears, particularly the fear of death, which can often be exaggerated by superstition and cultural influences. Just as children’s fear of the dark can be alleviated by understanding, so too can our fear of death be reduced by seeking wisdom and acceptance of the natural cycle of life.
