“ For when they would have a man’s whole life to be but a discipline or preparation to die, they must needs make men think that it is a terrible enemy, against whom there is no end of preparing. ”
Francis Bacon, The Advancement of Learning (1605). copy citation
| Author | Francis Bacon |
|---|---|
| Source | The Advancement of Learning |
| Topic | discipline preparation |
| Date | 1605 |
| Language | English |
| Reference | |
| Note | |
| Weblink | http://www.gutenberg.org/files/5500/5500-h/5500-h.htm |
Context
“And it seemeth to me that most of the doctrines of the philosophers are more fearful and cautious than the nature of things requireth. So have they increased the fear of death in offering to cure it. For when they would have a man’s whole life to be but a discipline or preparation to die, they must needs make men think that it is a terrible enemy, against whom there is no end of preparing. Better saith the poet:—
“Qui finem vitæ extremum inter munera ponat
Naturæ.”
So have they sought to make men’s minds too uniform and harmonical, by not breaking them sufficiently to contrary motions;”
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