“He that gives good advice, builds with one hand; he that gives good counsel and example, builds with both; but he that gives good admonition and bad example, builds with one hand and pulls down with 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
Quote
“He that gives good advice, builds with one hand; he that gives good counsel and example, builds with both; but he that gives good admonition and bad example, builds with one hand and pulls down with the other.”
Explanation
In this quote, Francis Bacon illustrates the power of words and actions in shaping behavior and influence. He suggests that while giving good advice is valuable (“building with one hand”), it is far more powerful when advice is accompanied by positive example (“building with both hands”). Bacon argues that a person who not only teaches but also lives by the principles they advocate is building something substantial, with both their words and their deeds reinforcing each other. However, if a person gives good counsel but fails to live according to it—offering a bad example—they are essentially undermining their own advice, “building with one hand and pulling down with the other.” In this case, their actions contradict their words, weakening their influence and moral authority.
Bacon’s view reflects the Renaissance emphasis on integrity and moral leadership. During this time, there was increasing recognition that true leadership required not just intellectual knowledge or the ability to advise others, but also the capacity to live according to those principles in order to inspire and guide effectively. Bacon, a philosopher and statesman, understood that effective advice and guidance could only be trusted if it was consistent with personal conduct, making the alignment of words and actions critical for building a strong moral foundation in leadership.
In modern times, this quote still resonates, particularly in leadership, education, and personal development. Today, people are more likely to respect and follow leaders, mentors, or role models who lead by example and live out the values they promote. Whether in business, politics, or personal relationships, consistency between what is said and what is done is crucial for gaining trust and achieving long-term success. Bacon’s insight encourages us to recognize the power of example in shaping behavior, suggesting that true leadership comes from aligning advice with action to create a lasting and positive impact.
