“Young people are fitter to invent than to judge; fitter for execution than for counsel; and more fit for new projects than for settled business.”

- 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
“Young people are fitter to invent than to judge; fitter for execution than for counsel; and more fit for new projects than for settled business.”
Explanation
In this quote, Francis Bacon acknowledges the distinct strengths of youth in terms of creativity, action, and innovation. He suggests that young people are particularly well-suited for the generation of new ideas (“inventing”) because they are more likely to think outside the box and challenge the status quo. Their enthusiasm and lack of established constraints make them effective in pursuing new ventures and projects. On the other hand, Bacon implies that older individuals are often better suited for judging or making decisions, as they bring with them the benefit of experience and wisdom. Young people, therefore, are ideal for driving forward change and innovation, but may not yet have the experience to handle the more complex responsibilities associated with maintaining established systems or providing guidance.
Bacon’s perspective reflects the Renaissance understanding of youth as a time of boundless energy, curiosity, and idealism, while also recognizing the value of experience in decision-making. In his era, there was a growing focus on the potential of the individual, particularly as the Renaissance was a time of great intellectual discovery and creative innovation. Bacon believed that the vigor and idealism of youth made them particularly effective in initiating change, while those with more life experience could provide the necessary wisdom for its successful execution and sustainability.
In modern times, this quote continues to resonate, particularly in discussions about the roles of youth and experience in fields such as entrepreneurship, technology, and leadership. Young people today are often seen as driving forces of innovation in areas like startups, social movements, and technology development, where fresh perspectives and willingness to take risks are invaluable. At the same time, established leaders with experience are essential for strategic guidance, risk management, and ensuring that new ideas are practical and sustainable. Bacon’s distinction between invention and execution highlights the complementary nature of youth and experience, each playing a critical role in the evolution of ideas and society.