“It is in life as it is in ways, the shortest way is commonly the foulest, and surely the fairer way is not much about.”
- 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 in life as it is in ways, the shortest way is commonly the foulest, and surely the fairer way is not much about.”
Explanation
In this quote, Francis Bacon uses the metaphor of travel to illustrate a broader truth about life. He suggests that the easiest path—the one that might seem like the quickest or most direct—often comes with undesirable consequences or moral compromises (the “foulest” way). In contrast, the better path, while more difficult or longer, leads to more honorable or meaningful outcomes, though it is not always the most obvious or frequently traveled. Bacon implies that in life, shortcuts or immediate gratification often come at the expense of long-term fulfillment, while the more virtuous or principled path requires more effort and discipline but ultimately leads to greater rewards.
This reflection fits with the Renaissance understanding of virtue and the moral journey of life. During this time, thinkers often emphasized the importance of personal growth, self-discipline, and virtue, seeing life as a moral and intellectual journey where shortcuts or easy routes may not lead to the highest achievements. Bacon’s statement challenges the temptation to choose the easiest route, urging individuals to pursue paths that are ultimately more rewarding and ethically sound, even if they are harder or less convenient.
In modern times, this quote resonates with the ongoing focus on delayed gratification and the value of long-term goals. Whether in personal development, career success, or even health and wellness, the quick fixes or easy solutions (such as taking shortcuts or relying on instant gratification) may not lead to lasting success. For example, in business or education, the path that requires hard work, dedication, and ethical decision-making often leads to more sustainable and meaningful success than shortcuts taken to achieve immediate results. Bacon’s quote serves as a reminder that the best outcomes in life often require patience, effort, and a willingness to choose the moral and long-term path, rather than opting for quick and easy solutions.
