“The momentous thing in human life is the art of winning the soul to good or evil.”

- 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
“The momentous thing in human life is the art of winning the soul to good or evil.”
Explanation
In this quote, Francis Bacon emphasizes the profound impact that moral direction—whether toward good or evil—has on human life. He argues that the most important aspect of life is not necessarily wealth, status, or success, but the ability to guide or influence one’s soul toward either virtuous or harmful paths. The “art” refers to the skill and deliberation involved in shaping one’s character and choices, suggesting that every individual has the power to either nurture their moral compass toward good or allow it to be swayed toward wrongdoing. Bacon highlights the moral responsibility each person holds in determining the course of their life, stressing that the decisions made at this foundational level will shape their character and destiny.
Bacon’s view reflects the Renaissance and early modern concerns with personal virtue, moral philosophy, and the nature of human agency. During this time, thinkers were particularly focused on the idea of self-mastery and the moral influence one could have over their own life. Bacon’s quote suggests that moral education and self-discipline are crucial to guiding the soul toward what is virtuous and righteous, which was a key aspect of humanism—the Renaissance intellectual movement that valued the potential for human excellence and moral growth.
In modern times, this quote resonates with contemporary understandings of personal development, ethics, and psychology. Today, the idea of self-mastery and the influence of personal choices in shaping one’s moral and emotional health is central to discussions about well-being, mental health, and leadership. The quote serves as a reminder that moral decisions—whether about how we treat others, what we value, or how we approach challenges—are not just superficial choices but fundamental acts that determine the overall direction of our lives. Bacon’s insight encourages us to be mindful of the influence we have over our own character and to recognize the deep and lasting impact of our choices toward good or evil.