“Therefore if a man look sharply and attentively, he shall see Fortune; for though she be blind, yet she is not invisible.”
- 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
“Therefore if a man look sharply and attentively, he shall see Fortune; for though she be blind, yet she is not invisible.”
Explanation
In this quote, Francis Bacon presents a view of Fortune as something that, while unpredictable and seemingly blind (unaware or indifferent to merit), is still discernible to those who are attentive and observant. Bacon suggests that success, luck, or opportunity (often symbolized as “Fortune”) is not entirely random or invisible; rather, it can be seen by those who look carefully and prepare themselves to recognize it. The notion of Fortune being “blind” reflects the idea that success is not always based on deservedness or skill, but may appear random or unmerited. However, this randomness does not mean it cannot be perceived or acted upon if one is vigilant and aware.
Bacon’s view reflects the intellectual climate of the Renaissance, which was marked by both the recovery of classical knowledge and the rise of more pragmatic and empirical approaches to understanding the world. The idea that Fortune can be seen by those who are sharp-eyed aligns with the Renaissance belief in the importance of observation, reason, and personal effort in achieving success, even in an unpredictable world. Bacon suggests that while luck may play a role, individuals who are prepared and perceptive are more likely to recognize and seize opportunities when they arise.
In modern contexts, this quote speaks to the idea that success and opportunity are not purely matters of chance, but can be influenced by awareness and readiness. For example, in fields such as business or entrepreneurship, those who are attentive to trends, prepared for change, and able to recognize opportunities are more likely to capitalize on the chances that come their way, even if those chances appear random at first. Bacon’s insight also resonates with the idea of luck favoring the prepared—the more one engages with the world with focus and awareness, the more likely they are to notice the “Fortune” that others may miss.
