“It is a strange desire, to seek power, and to lose liberty; or to seek power over others, and to lose power over a man’s self.”

- 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
“It is a strange desire, to seek power, and to lose liberty; or to seek power over others, and to lose power over a man’s self.”
Explanation
In this quote, Francis Bacon highlights the paradoxical nature of seeking power. He suggests that the desire for power often comes with unintended costs: seeking external power, whether over others or circumstances, can lead to a loss of personal freedom and self-control. The more one seeks to dominate or control others, the more one might sacrifice their own autonomy and self-governance. Bacon points out the irony that in the pursuit of power, individuals may give up the very freedoms they initially sought to protect or increase, and instead, become enslaved by their own desires for dominance or control.
Bacon’s perspective can be understood within the broader intellectual climate of the Renaissance, which was deeply concerned with the balance between individual rights and social power. During this period, thinkers were examining the nature of government, authority, and personal liberty. Bacon, a philosopher and statesman, may have been reflecting on the dangers of unchecked ambition or the corrupting influence of power, especially in political and personal relationships. His insight suggests that true freedom comes from the ability to govern oneself, and that external power often leads to internal loss.
In modern times, this quote resonates with contemporary discussions on political power, individual autonomy, and self-mastery. For example, in political systems, those who seek to wield totalitarian power over others may find themselves sacrificing their own liberties, as they become increasingly entrenched in the mechanisms of control. Similarly, in personal relationships or work environments, those who try to control others may find themselves losing self-control, becoming consumed by their need for dominance. Bacon’s insight reminds us that the pursuit of power—whether political, personal, or social—can have significant costs, and true strength lies in the ability to maintain one’s own autonomy while seeking balance in relationships with others.