for men have rather sought by wit to deride and traduce much of that which is good in professions, than with judgment to discover and sever that which is corrupt.
 Francis Bacon, The Advancement of Learning (1605). copy citation

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Author Francis Bacon
Source The Advancement of Learning
Topic judgment wit
Date 1605
Language English
Reference
Note
Weblink http://www.gutenberg.org/files/5500/5500-h/5500-h.htm

Context

“there belongeth further to the handling of this part, touching the duties of professions and vocations, a relative or opposite, touching the frauds, cautels, impostures, and vices of every profession, which hath been likewise handled; but how? rather in a satire and cynically, than seriously and wisely; for men have rather sought by wit to deride and traduce much of that which is good in professions, than with judgment to discover and sever that which is corrupt. For, as Solomon saith, he that cometh to seek after knowledge with a mind to scorn and censure shall be sure to find matter for his humour, but no matter for his instruction: Quærenti derisori scientiam ipsa se abscondit;” source