“Judges ought to be more leaned than witty, more reverent than plausible, and more advised than confident. Above all things, integrity is their portion and proper virtue.”

Francis Bacon
Francis Bacon quotesmeigen
  • 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

“Judges ought to be more leaned than witty, more reverent than plausible, and more advised than confident. Above all things, integrity is their portion and proper virtue.”

Explanation

In this quote, Francis Bacon outlines the ideal qualities of a judge, emphasizing that their primary role is not to entertain or impress, but to act with deep wisdom and integrity. He argues that knowledge (referred to here as “leaned”) should take precedence over wit, meaning a judge should prioritize intellectual depth and understanding over cleverness or verbal skill. Additionally, a judge should be more reverent—showing respect for the law and the judicial process—than plausible, meaning they should not be swayed by persuasion or charm. Bacon also suggests that advice or careful consideration is more important than confidence in a judge’s decision-making, implying that rash judgments driven by overconfidence are dangerous. Ultimately, integrity—the moral and ethical strength to uphold justice without bias or personal interest—must be the cornerstone of a judge’s character.

Bacon’s insight reflects the intellectual and moral standards of the Renaissance, where legal and philosophical thought was evolving toward a more structured and rational approach to justice. During this period, the role of judges and the legal profession were increasingly seen as requiring a balance of intellectual rigor, moral wisdom, and ethical conduct. Bacon, a philosopher and statesman, recognized that while a judge’s decision-making might require technical skill and logical reasoning, their ethical foundation, or integrity, was the key to ensuring fairness and justice.

In modern times, this quote remains highly relevant, especially in the context of judicial ethics and the increasing focus on the integrity of the legal system. Judges today are still expected to be knowledgeable, impartial, and ethical, with integrity at the heart of their role. The quote also resonates with ongoing discussions about the importance of transparency, accountability, and ethical responsibility in legal and political systems. Bacon’s view reinforces the idea that a judge’s responsibility is not to impress or gain approval, but to serve as a fair and wise arbiter of justice, guided by a strong sense of moral duty.


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