“The way of fortune is like the milkyway in the sky; which is a number of small stars, not seen asunder, but giving light together: so it is a number of little and scarce discerned virtues, or rather faculties and customs, that make men fortunate.”
- 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
“The way of fortune is like the milkyway in the sky; which is a number of small stars, not seen asunder, but giving light together: so it is a number of little and scarce discerned virtues, or rather faculties and customs, that make men fortunate.”
Explanation
In this quote, Francis Bacon compares the path to fortune to the Milky Way, which is made up of many small stars that, though individually unremarkable, together create a great light. Similarly, he argues, fortune does not come from one singular event or major trait, but from a collection of small virtues, habits, and qualities that, when combined, create success or good luck. These qualities may be hard to see or recognize individually, but when they work together, they help a person to become fortunate. Bacon’s insight is that success or good fortune is often the result of subtle and consistent efforts, and not a single grand achievement or trait.
Bacon’s perspective reflects the Renaissance belief in the importance of incremental improvement and the cultivation of a variety of qualities that together create excellence. Rather than focusing on one grand virtue or moment, Bacon sees fortune as a product of accumulated virtues, whether they are small qualities like patience, prudence, or diligence, that compound over time. This idea was in line with the Renaissance’s fascination with the individual’s potential to shape their own fate through both personal development and virtue.
In modern times, this quote still resonates, especially when applied to the idea of personal growth and success. People often attribute fortune to luck or a single turning point, but Bacon’s view suggests that it is more the result of consistent, smaller actions and habits that lead to success. Whether in business, health, or relationships, it is often the collection of daily choices, small virtues, and practices that contribute to an individual’s overall success or good fortune. This idea encourages people to focus on developing a wide range of qualities and habits, rather than relying on a single breakthrough or act, reinforcing the idea that fortune is often created by many small efforts coming together over time.
