“He that hath wife and children hath given hostages to fortune; for they are impediments to great enterprises, either of virtue or mischief.”
- 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 hath wife and children hath given hostages to fortune; for they are impediments to great enterprises, either of virtue or mischief.”
Explanation
In this quote, Francis Bacon suggests that having a wife and children can limit one’s ability to pursue grand or risky ventures, whether they are acts of virtue or mischief. Bacon uses the metaphor of giving “hostages to fortune” to imply that by committing to family life, a person places their fate in the hands of circumstances—especially when it comes to the potential dangers or uncertainties of their undertakings. Family responsibilities, he argues, create obligations that make it more difficult to embark on ambitious or dangerous pursuits, as the stakes are higher when others depend on you. Whether pursuing noble goals or risky schemes, the presence of a family introduces potential limitations or consequences that must be considered.
Bacon’s view reflects the Renaissance context, where the concept of individual responsibility and the sacrifice of personal freedom was central to the discussions about the roles of family, honor, and ambition. The period saw a growing recognition of the tensions between personal ambitions and the social responsibilities tied to family life. Bacon himself was both a public figure and a philosopher, and he likely saw the duties of family life as a balancing factor to the more risk-oriented pursuits of those who wished to achieve greatness, either in positive or negative ways.
In modern times, this quote still resonates, particularly when discussing the balance between career ambitions, family obligations, and personal risk-taking. Today, many people find themselves weighing the potential rewards of pursuing career goals or entrepreneurial ventures against the responsibilities they have as parents or spouses. Bacon’s insight encourages us to recognize the complex relationship between family and individual pursuits, acknowledging that the presence of dependents can often influence the choices and risk tolerance of individuals in both personal and professional realms.
