“ Colour is when men make a way for themselves to have a construction made of their faults or wants, as proceeding from a better cause or intended for some other purpose. ”
Francis Bacon, The Advancement of Learning (1605). copy citation
| Author | Francis Bacon |
|---|---|
| Source | The Advancement of Learning |
| Topic | purpose construction |
| Date | 1605 |
| Language | English |
| Reference | |
| Note | |
| Weblink | http://www.gutenberg.org/files/5500/5500-h/5500-h.htm |
Context
“Caution is when men do ingeniously and discreetly avoid to be put into those things for which they are not proper; whereas contrariwise bold and unquiet spirits will thrust themselves into matters without difference, and so publish and proclaim all their wants. Colour is when men make a way for themselves to have a construction made of their faults or wants, as proceeding from a better cause or intended for some other purpose. For of the one it is well said,
“Sæpe latet vitium proximitate boni,”
and therefore whatsoever want a man hath, he must see that he pretend the virtue that shadoweth it; as if he be dull, he must affect gravity;”
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