“There is as much difference between the counsel that a friend giveth, and that a man giveth himself, as there is between the counsel of a friend and of a flatterer. For there is no such flatterer as is a man’s self.”
- 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
“There is as much difference between the counsel that a friend giveth, and that a man giveth himself, as there is between the counsel of a friend and of a flatterer. For there is no such flatterer as is a man’s self.”
Explanation
In this quote, Francis Bacon reflects on the differences between receiving advice from others and offering advice to oneself. He suggests that self-counsel is often influenced by personal biases and desires, making it akin to flattery, which praises or comforts without offering genuine insight. Bacon contrasts this with the counsel of a friend, who, ideally, provides advice grounded in honesty, objectivity, and a sense of care for the individual’s well-being. The key point Bacon makes is that self-advice is often distorted by one’s own ego or emotions, leading to decisions that are less grounded in reality. This is because we tend to flatter ourselves by justifying our desires or decisions, rather than offering a critical or balanced perspective on our actions.
Bacon’s reflection draws on the Renaissance emphasis on self-awareness and the tension between reason and emotion. During this period, intellectuals and philosophers began to recognize the limitations of the individual mind, especially when it came to making decisions. The idea that self-reflection could lead to biased thinking aligns with Bacon’s broader focus on empirical observation and the importance of seeking external perspectives—whether from friends or experts—to counteract the flaws in self-perception.
In modern times, this quote resonates in the context of psychology and decision-making. Research shows that people are often prone to cognitive biases, such as confirmation bias or self-serving bias, which can cloud their judgment and lead them to make decisions that benefit their ego rather than their best interest. In contrast, advice from a trusted friend or mentor is often more objective and helpful because it is not clouded by the individual’s own desires or emotions. Bacon’s quote encourages us to recognize the limitations of self-counsel and seek external perspectives in order to make better, more rational decisions.
