“No body can be healthful without exercise, neither natural body nor politic, and certainly, to a kingdom or estate, a just and honourable war is the true exercise.”
- 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
“No body can be healthful without exercise, neither natural body nor politic, and certainly, to a kingdom or estate, a just and honourable war is the true exercise.”
Explanation
In this quote, Francis Bacon draws an analogy between the need for exercise in the human body and the need for action in the political body—a kingdom or state. Just as the human body requires physical exercise to remain healthy and strong, a nation or kingdom requires activity—in this case, a just and honourable war—to stay vibrant and resilient. Bacon suggests that a kingdom, left in a state of inactivity or peace for too long, risks becoming weak, complacent, or stagnant. A just war, in his view, serves as the necessary exercise that ensures a kingdom’s strength and vitality, pushing it to defend its interests and maintain its honour.
Bacon’s perspective reflects the Renaissance values of military strength and political power, especially the idea that a strong nation is one that is prepared to defend itself and maintain its territorial integrity. During this period, many states were engaged in frequent warfare, and military success was often equated with political health and vitality. Bacon, being involved in public affairs, likely saw war as both a necessary evil and a means of preserving a kingdom’s honour and security.
In modern times, this quote might resonate differently, especially in the context of international relations and the debate over the role of military action in preserving a nation’s security and sovereignty. While the idea of a “just and honourable war” is more contentious today, the underlying message about the importance of action and engagement in political life remains relevant. Bacon’s quote encourages the idea that a nation’s strength and resilience are often built through active involvement in world affairs, whether through defense, diplomacy, or engagement with global challenges. The analogy to exercise reminds us that complacency in a nation’s defense or internal affairs can lead to weakness, just as neglecting physical health leads to decline.
