“Revenge is a kind of wild justice, which the more a man’s nature runs to, the more ought law to weed it out.”

- 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
“Revenge is a kind of wild justice, which the more a man’s nature runs to, the more ought law to weed it out.”
Explanation
In this quote, Francis Bacon reflects on the nature of revenge and its role in society. He argues that revenge is a form of “wild justice”, a personal and often irrational response to perceived wrongs. Bacon suggests that when individuals take matters into their own hands, they substitute personal emotions for the impartiality of the law. The more a person is inclined toward revenge, the more the law should act to remove or restrict it. By doing so, the law helps maintain social order and prevent the destructive consequences of individual vengeance, which can escalate into cycles of violence and injustice.
Bacon was writing in the context of an era where feuds and blood vengeance were still common in many societies. In his time, the rule of law was often fragile, and the mechanisms of justice were not as developed or widespread as they are today. His assertion highlights a growing understanding of the importance of law and order over personal retribution, a key theme in the development of modern legal systems. Bacon believed that law must intervene to ensure that personal grievances do not lead to societal chaos.
In modern times, this quote remains relevant as we continue to grapple with issues related to justice and retribution. Bacon’s call for the law to restrain revenge can be seen in the development of legal systems that discourage vigilante justice and promote processes such as due process and fair trials. For example, in cases where people might feel wronged, the law provides avenues for restorative justice or punitive measures, rather than allowing individuals to take matters into their own hands. Bacon’s insight reminds us that revenge, though sometimes emotionally satisfying, often does more harm than good, and the role of the law is to promote fairness and equitable solutions over personal vendettas.