“Truth is the daughter of time, not of authority.”
- 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
“Truth is the daughter of time, not of authority.”
Explanation
In this quote, Francis Bacon suggests that truth is discovered through the passage of time and evidence, rather than through authority or dogma. He argues that truths are not established by those in power or by established systems, but instead emerge naturally as time progresses and understanding deepens. This perspective reflects Bacon’s belief in the importance of empirical inquiry and observation—that truth is revealed through the careful and patient exploration of the world, rather than through the commands of those in positions of authority. He implies that while authority may impose certain beliefs or claims, it is only through time that those claims can be tested, refined, or disproven, allowing the truth to emerge.
Bacon’s view aligns with the Renaissance and Scientific Revolution values of rationality, observation, and the scientific method. During this period, there was a growing skepticism toward dogmatic authority, especially religious and political authorities, and an increasing emphasis on the role of experience and reason in discovering the truth. Bacon, who was a key figure in the development of modern science, recognized that truth is not something dictated by tradition or the powerful, but something that must be discovered through evidence, experiment, and the passage of time.
In modern times, this quote resonates with the scientific method and the idea that facts and truths are not determined by power or authority but are discovered through research, experimentation, and long-term observation. It is a reminder that truth is something that must stand the test of time and evidence, not the dictates of those in charge. This idea also plays a significant role in critical thinking and skepticism—reminding us to question claims of authority and to seek evidence and reason as the ultimate sources of truth. Bacon’s quote encourages us to value objectivity and the slow uncovering of truth, rather than accepting things because they are handed down by those in power.
