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Francis Bacon: 'Reading maketh a full man; conference a ready man; and writing an exact man.'

Reading maketh a full man; conference a ready man; and writing an exact man.

In his famous quote, Francis Bacon asserts that engaging in three distinct activities—reading, conference, and writing—can lead to the development of different qualities within individuals. According to Bacon, reading makes a person full, conference makes them ready, and writing makes them exact. At first glance, this quote appears to highlight the importance of acquiring knowledge through reading, the value of engaging in conversations and discussions with others, and the precision that comes with expressing oneself through writing. However, when viewed through a philosophical lens, Bacon's quote takes on a deeper meaning that explores the dynamics of intellectual growth and the nature of human expression.To understand the significance of Bacon's quote, it is crucial to consider each component separately. Reading, as he suggests, has the power to make a person "full." This can be interpreted as the act of immersing oneself in the works of others, absorbing their ideas, perspectives, and knowledge. Through reading, we expand our intellectual horizons, gaining insights that we may not have acquired otherwise. It opens up a world of possibilities, challenging our preconceived notions, and broadening our understanding of the world.On the other hand, conferences, or engaging in discussions and dialogues with others, make a person "ready." These interactions provide an opportunity for the exchange of ideas, opinions, and experiences. In a conference, individuals can challenge one another's viewpoints, learn from others' perspectives, and refine their own understanding through active engagement. This social aspect of learning enhances our ability to articulate ideas coherently, think critically, and respond adeptly to differing viewpoints. Conversations, whether formal or informal, lead to intellectual growth through the synthesis of ideas and a deeper appreciation for the diverse nature of human thought.While reading and conference are undoubtedly essential in the pursuit of knowledge, Bacon contends that writing is what makes a person "exact." Writing, in this context, represents the act of expressing one's thoughts, opinions, and knowledge through the written word. Writing demands precision and clarity. It requires individuals to articulate their ideas in a coherent and organized manner, honing their analytical skills and refining their thought processes. Through writing, individuals gain the opportunity to scrutinize their own ideas, identify gaps in their understanding, and refine their arguments. The process of writing forces individuals to confront their own thoughts, solidifying their understanding and promoting intellectual rigor.Now, let's consider an unexpected philosophical concept – the concept of "flow." Coined by psychologist Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi, flow is a mental state characterized by complete absorption and immersion in an activity. When in a state of flow, individuals experience a sense of intense focus and enjoyment, losing track of time and feeling inherently motivated by the activity itself. Flow is often associated with heightened levels of creativity, productivity, and performance.When we apply the concept of flow to Bacon's quote, an interesting parallel emerges. Reading, conference, and writing can all potentially induce a state of flow. When engrossed in a captivating book, individuals may experience the immersive engagement that characterizes flow. Similarly, engaging in conference or discussion that challenges our intellect and stimulates our curiosity can foster a state of flow. Finally, writing, especially when one is passionate about the subject matter, can lead to a deep sense of absorption and concentration, creating an optimal environment for flow.It is within the state of flow that the true power of Bacon's quote becomes evident. The qualities of becoming "full," "ready," and "exact" extend beyond the mere accumulation of knowledge or surface-level engagement. Rather, they represent the potential for individuals to achieve a heightened state of intellectual and creative fulfillment. In this sense, Bacon's quote offers a guide for personal growth and self-actualization.In conclusion, Francis Bacon's quote, "Reading maketh a full man; conference a ready man; and writing an exact man," encompasses a wealth of meaning that extends far beyond its surface interpretation. By delving into the individual components of reading, conference, and writing, we uncover the transformative nature of these activities in shaping one's intellectual growth. Moreover, when viewed through the lens of the psychological concept of flow, we gain a newfound appreciation for the potential inherent in these pursuits. Ultimately, Bacon's quote serves as a reminder of the power of knowledge acquisition, the value of engaging in meaningful conversations, and the transformative nature of expressing oneself through writing.

Francis Bacon: 'Beauty itself is but the sensible image of the Infinite.'

Samuel johnson: 'self-confidence is the first requisite to great undertakings.'.

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Essay, Paragraph, Speech on “Reading Maketh a full Man” Long, Short Essay for School, College Students, essay for Class 8, 9, 10, 12 and Competitive Exams

Reading Maketh a full Man

Reading Maketh a full Man; Conference a ready man  and writing an exact man

Good books are storehouses of human knowledge and wisdom. Anyone who has the key can enter these store houses and help himself. What is the key ? Simply the ability to read. He who can read can store his mind with the great thoughts of the great thinkers of the world. The man who never opens a book has a comparatively empty mind. He, no doubt, learns something from his own experience and from others; but to what mankind has learnt and thought and done his mind is a blank. But he who reads widely and judiciously has a full mind. “Reading maketh a full man”.

By “conference” Bacon means discussion, debate. To be a good debator, one must have a quick and ready mind. He must be able to see a point quickly, to think quickly, and to have a quick reply to arguments ready. Taking an active part in a keen debating society gives one valuable practice in this; for one has to be alert and ready for all that can be said on a given subject. So, “conference maketh a ready man”.

By “writing”, here, Bacon does not mean writing books or practice in composition. He means making notes in writing of what we learn in our reading. It is not always wise to trust entirely to memory, especially when exact words and figures are important. We may remember something in a general way; but, unless we have made a note of the details, we may be at a loss in speaking or discussion. Vague statements and mere generalizations will not always serve the purpose. Our knowledge must be accurate and exact. So make written notes of what you read; for this kind of “writing maketh an exact man”. The completion of this quotation will make its meaning clearer: “Reading maketh a full man; conference a ready man; and writing an exact man. And, therefore, if a man write little, he had need have a great memory; if he confer little, he had need of a ready wit; and if he read little, he had need of much cunning to seem to know that he knoweth not”.

Bacon’s words should be taken to heart by young men who want to become public speakers. For a public speaker must have a full mind, readiness of speech, and an accurate and exact knowledge of his subject.

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Reading is Good Habit for Students and Children

 500+ words essay on reading is good habit.

Reading is a very good habit that one needs to develop in life. Good books can inform you, enlighten you and lead you in the right direction. There is no better companion than a good book. Reading is important because it is good for your overall well-being. Once you start reading, you experience a whole new world. When you start loving the habit of reading you eventually get addicted to it. Reading develops language skills and vocabulary. Reading books is also a way to relax and reduce stress. It is important to read a good book at least for a few minutes each day to stretch the brain muscles for healthy functioning.

Benefits of Reading

Books really are your best friends as you can rely on them when you are bored, upset, depressed, lonely or annoyed. They will accompany you anytime you want them and enhance your mood. They share with you information and knowledge any time you need. Good books always guide you to the correct path in life. Following are the benefits of reading –

Self Improvement: Reading helps you develop positive thinking. Reading is important because it develops your mind and gives you excessive knowledge and lessons of life. It helps you understand the world around you better. It keeps your mind active and enhances your creative ability.

Communication Skills: Reading improves your vocabulary and develops your communication skills. It helps you learn how to use your language creatively. Not only does it improve your communication but it also makes you a better writer. Good communication is important in every aspect of life.

Get the huge list of more than 500 Essay Topics and Ideas

Increases Knowledge: Books enable you to have a glimpse into cultures, traditions, arts, history, geography, health, psychology and several other subjects and aspects of life. You get an amazing amount of knowledge and information from books.

Reduces Stress: Reading a good book takes you in a new world and helps you relieve your day to day stress. It has several positive effects on your mind, body, and soul. It stimulates your brain muscles and keeps your brain healthy and strong.

Great Pleasure: When I read a book, I read it for pleasure. I just indulge myself in reading and experience a whole new world. Once I start reading a book I get so captivated I never want to leave it until I finish. It always gives a lot of pleasure to read a good book and cherish it for a lifetime.

Boosts your Imagination and Creativity: Reading takes you to the world of imagination and enhances your creativity. Reading helps you explore life from different perspectives. While you read books you are building new and creative thoughts, images and opinions in your mind. It makes you think creatively, fantasize and use your imagination.

Develops your Analytical Skills: By active reading, you explore several aspects of life. It involves questioning what you read. It helps you develop your thoughts and express your opinions. New ideas and thoughts pop up in your mind by active reading. It stimulates and develops your brain and gives you a new perspective.

Reduces Boredom: Journeys for long hours or a long vacation from work can be pretty boring in spite of all the social sites. Books come in handy and release you from boredom.

Read Different Stages of Reading here.

The habit of reading is one of the best qualities that a person can possess. Books are known to be your best friend for a reason. So it is very important to develop a good reading habit. We must all read on a daily basis for at least 30 minutes to enjoy the sweet fruits of reading. It is a great pleasure to sit in a quiet place and enjoy reading. Reading a good book is the most enjoyable experience one can have.

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📖Essay on Importance of Reading: Samples in 100, 150, and 250 Words

• Updated on  
• Apr 26, 2024

Language learning requires four skills i.e. Listening, Speaking, Reading, and Writing. It is an important part that eventually builds up the communication skills of a person. Reading will help in attaining knowledge of variable fields. It enhances the intellect of a person. Reading helps students to enhance their language fluency. Students must adopt the habit of reading good books. Reading books can also improve the writing skills. If you are a school student and searching for a good sample essay on the importance of reading then, you landed at the right place. Here in this blog, we have covered some sample essays on the importance of reading!

Table of Contents

• 1 Essay on the Importance of Reading in 100 Words
• 2 Essay on Importance of Reading 150 Words
• 3 Essay on Importance of Reading 250 Words
• 4 Short Essay on Importance of Reading

Essay on the Importance of Reading in 100 Words

The English language is considered the global language because it is the most widely spoken language worldwide. Reading is one of the important parts of acquiring complete knowledge of any language. Reading helps in maintaining a good vocabulary that is helpful for every field, whether in school, interviews , competitive exams , or jobs. 

Students must inculcate the habit of reading from a young age. Making a habit of reading good books will eventually convert into an addiction over time and you will surely explore a whole new world of information.

Being exposed to different topics through reading can help you look at the wider perspective of life. You will eventually discover a creative side of yours while developing the habit of reading.

Also Read: Essay on Gaganyaan

Essay on Importance of Reading 150 Words

Reading is considered an important aspect that contributes to the development of the overall personality of any person. If a person wants to do good at a professional level then he/she must practice reading.

There are various advantages of reading. It is not only a source of entertainment but also opens up the creative ability of any person. Reading helps in self-improvement, enhances communication skills, and reduces stress. It is one of the sources of pleasure and also enhances the analytical skills. 

Here are some of the best books to study that may help you enhance your reading skills:

• Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone by J.K. Rowling .
• To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee .
• The Namesake by Jhumpa Lahiri .
• Pride and Prejudice
• The Great Gatsby

A person with good reading skills would be able to communicate with more confidence and shine brighter at the professional level. Reading is a mental exercise, as it can provide you with the best experience because while reading fiction, or non-fiction you use your imagination without any restrictions thereby exploring a whole new world on your own. So, Just Enjoy Reading!

Also Read: How to Prepare for UPSC in 6 Months?

Also Read: Communication Skills to Succeed at Work

Essay on Importance of Reading 250 Words

Reading is a language skill necessary to present yourself in front of others because without being a good reader, it’s difficult to be a good communicator. Reading books should be practised regularly. Books are considered a human’s best friend.

It is right to say that knowledge can’t be stolen. Reading enhances the knowledge of a person. There are numerous benefits of reading.

I love reading books and one of my all-time favorite authors is William Shakespeare. His work “As You Like It” is my favourite book. By reading that book I came across many new words. It enabled me to add many words to my vocabulary that I can use in my life.

Apart from this, there are many other benefits of reading books such as reading can help you write in a certain way that can impress the reader. It also enhances communication skills and serves as a source of entertainment . 

Schools conduct various competitions which directly or indirectly involve reading. Some such competitions include debate, essay writing competitions, elocution, new reading in assembly, etc. All such activities require active reading because without reading a person might not be able to speak on a specific topic.

All such activities are conducted to polish the language skills of students from the very beginning so that they can do good at a professional level.

In conclusion, in a world of technological advancement, you are more likely to get easy access to online reading material available on the internet. So, you must not miss this opportunity and devote some time to reading different kinds of books. 

Also Read: SAT Reading Tips

Short Essay on Importance of Reading

Find a sample of a short essay on importance of reading below:

Also Read: Essay on Social Issues

Reading is a good habit; It helps to improve communication skills; Good books whether fiction or non-fiction widen your imagination skills; You can experience a whole new world while reading; It helps you establish your professional personality; Reading skills help you interact with other people at a personal and professional level; Improves vocabulary; Reading novels is considered a great source of entertainment; It helps you acquire excessive knowledge of different fields; Reading is motivational and a great mental exercise.

Reading is important to build the overall personality of a person. It establishes a sense of professionalism and improves the vocabulary. Adapting a habit of reading books will help in expanding your knowledge and creativity.

Here are some of the best books for students to read: The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People; The Alchemist, The 5 AM Club, Rich Dad Poor Dad, etc.

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• Sep 16, 2023

Francis Bacon & Benjamin Franklin: Thinking in the 21st Century

I’ve come across a perplexing problem in modern linguistics. Perhaps you can help me.

My all time favorite quote is actually two quotes. One is from Francis Bacon who said:

Reading maketh a full man; conference a ready man; and writing an exact man.

The other is an amended version by Benjamin Franklin, which reads

Reading makes a full man, meditation a profound man, discourse a clear man.

I have carried these quotes around with me for years. However, I’ve been continuously confused on the precise meaning of each quote. One of which was written in the 16th century the other in the 18th.

The more I investigate these quotes the more I realize two factors are at play in the way we interpret them today. First is the change in the meanings of words over time. Second is each author’s intended audience.

What spurred me to reconsider my understanding of these statements was a challenge by the linguist Richard Mitchell, author of the infamous “ Underground Grammarian .” In his book, Less Than Words Can Say , he persuaded me to re-consider what Bacon meant by a “full” man. The implication is that not to read is to be an empty man or at best a half-filled man. The more literature, poetry, history and philosophy that I read, the more this truth has revealed itself to me. If our consciousness, or our souls, are buckets, with what do we fill them? Reading is at the very least a minimal requirement to keeping our buckets full.

But what about the rest of the quote? And why did Benjamin Franklin change the wording? Can we learn anything by investigating the wording of Bacon’s quote, and the possible reasons for Franklins adaptation? I think yes.

When we hear the word “conference” our first emotional response is likely equivalent to the one we get when we bite into an apple with a rotted core: “yuck!” The word compels us to recall a series of monotonous speakers pacing a bare stage talking endlessly at us. Or we may think of the uncomfortable steel chairs we spend an inordinate amount of our existence on. We may attend thousands of conferences over our lifetimes: Parent/teacher conferences, teacher conferences, work conferences, speaker conferences, sales conferences, marketing conferences, business conferences, financial conferences, mastermind conferences. To some of these conferences we go willingly to with the false hope of finding success afterwards, while many we go unwillingly to as a duty. One thing is certain. We do not conjure in our minds the exact meaning that Francis Bacon meant.

Bacon, a philosopher, was born in the 16th century and died in the early 17th century. When he uses the word “conference” he does not mean an uncomfortable situation one is forced to endure by the demands of one’s boss. And he definitely doesn’t mean linking telephones or computers for tele-conferencing or video-conferencing. He means a more formal conception of “conversation” or “to talk.” Conferre means in Latin ‘bring together,” but it was originally used in the sense of a conversation.

Conference makes a ready man. Here again we may be confused, due to an expansion in the meaning of word. We may feel “ready” means something like “eager,” “available,” “inclined,” or even “prepared.” We commonly use the word in everyday phrases like “Ready, set, go,” “make ready for,” “At the ready,” “ready and waiting,” “Ready to roll.”

My assessment is that Bacon meant more precisely, ready for a specific purpose. Meaning, after our formal conversation with an enlightened mind (hopefully through reading) we are ready to take the actions needed to accomplish our purpose. From a religious perspective, if God endowed me with a life purpose, then after my conference with God I will be “ready” for taking the actions necessary to accomplish that life purpose. From a secular perspective, if I choose my own purpose, say, to build a business, then after my conference with inquisitive minds, I will be ready for taking the actions necessary to accomplish my chosen purpose. Either way, we can be sure that conferences for their own sake are about as useless at preparing us for our purpose as taking a hot shower prepares us for an olympic swimming competition.

Then I asked myself: Why did Franklin change “conference” to “meditation” and “ready” to “profound;” in his quote he says:

Words can be tricky. This is especially true when we use words so loosely today. The word meditation, like conference, has gone through significant changes over the past two hundred years. Likely, you are picturing an ascetic looking bald-man with loosely fitting robes sitting on a mountain top, legs tangled in a pretzel chanting “ohmmmm.” The monk’s objective is clearing the mind from distractions.

In the original sense of the word, meditation, means something more akin to “contemplation.” The purpose of which is not to empty the mind but to focus the mind on a single subject for a long period of time. As most thinkers can attest, silence and even chanting may in fact be beneficial to this process. Nevertheless, the primary goal here is not to clear the mind but to think carefully about a subject. My goal with this article, for instance, is not to clear my mind of all distractions, but to dive deeply into the meaning of these particular quotes. Notice the method by which I am unpacking a total of twenty five words written by two men hundreds of years ago.

Consider Marcus Aurelius, the favorite thinker of modern “self-development” gurus like Ryan Holiday , and Tim Ferriss . Aurelius’ famous work is not titled “The Writings of Emperor Aurelius” but simply,“Meditations.” The sense in which Franklin is using the term meditation means “written or spoken discourse expressing considered thoughts on a subject.”

But why change the word “ready” to “profound?” If we take meditation to mean “expressing considered thoughts on a subject,” then we can take the word profound to be emphasizing the depth of our meditation. Profound comes from the Latin ‘pro + fundus’ meaning ‘before the bottom.” In Latin ‘profundus’ would be used to refer to a deep well or body of water. From there, a philosopher may be referred to as bottomless like an ocean: sometimes for good and sometimes for bad. Remember, while there may be infinite depths, if you are not careful you can easily drown.

Now we can consider my second realization for these quotes: audience. Franklin wrote this quote in The Poor Richard’s Almanack , which was meant for ordinary farmers. Whereas Bacon wrote his work for the learned man of his time. Perhaps Franklin’s goal was to translate wisdom to farmers who would not spend the better parts of their lives in cloistered academia.

This may account for the change in the last phrase. Bacon wrote

writing [makes] an exact man

Franklin wrote:

discourse [makes] a clear man.

Discourse and writing may seem very different, but in fact they are very similar. Writing is more than a process of translating the sounds in our head into black scratches on a piece of paper. In Bacon’s time writing was a rigorous process done mostly in Latin. Though by the 16th century English writing was developing and becoming more popular, the process was no less rigorous. To write in Latin or English was not a process of regurgitating the string of random thoughts in one’s head. Rather, it was a strict process of refining and re-refining our selected words and grammatical structure. We know the common phrase today “writing is editing,” but this was taken as doctrine in Bacon’s time. Discourse means a “process of reasoning.” Writing should be the physical manifestation of that process.

My guess is that Franklin did not want to scare un-schooled farmers into believing that they should be spending all their time learning Latin. Perhaps, Franklin merely wanted people to engage in friendly spoken discourse with one another, in order to gather opinions of important topics like how to lead a good life, and how to govern our families and society.

Like Franklin, I have taken it upon myself to translate the spirit of Bacon’s wisdom for our own time. And this is where I have run into a terrible confusion.

Here is my version:

Reading makes a full man, deliberation a ready man, and writing a precise man.

Not much has changed, and, well, that was deliberate. The only real differences are “deliberation,” and “precise.” By deliberation I mean a “long and careful consideration or discussion.” This word originates with latin meaning “consider carefully.” I removed the word “conference” for the reasons I indicated above. The connotations have shifted to such a degree that the word would be confusing.

By precise I am selecting a word that is not used as commonly as “exact.” We often hear that term used in colloquial language: “exact change” “Exactly!” “That’s exactly how I feel.” Precision feels like cutting something out. It feels like an “incision.” I actually like the connotation of “precision bombs” and “military precision,” because those conjure up the image of absolute perfection, and they imply a very hard-line “cutting off.” If a man who packs his own parachute is not precise, he will absolutely pay the consequences.

The terrible confusion occurred as I contemplated selecting a different word for “writing.” Franklin eliminated the word “writing” and chose the word “discourse.” I find that neither quite fit today. Then there is the word “clear.”

One could write a dissertation on the word “clear.” Look it up in the dictionary and you’ll see it’s one of the longest entries in the book. The goal of writing should be to clear the path to the overall theme. While we may be taught that clarity can only be accomplished by using fewer words, often elaboration is required. Here is a grade-school example:

The dog bit the mailman.

Baring its teeth, the dog bit the mailman.

The latter sentence has more words, but we now have a clearer picture of the dog. Clarity, therefore has more to do with concreteness than economy of words.

Today, writing as an activity has lost so much of its original meaning as to be almost equivalent to mere speaking. In reading blogs, articles, books and tweets, I have noticed at best pithy one-liners and at worst complete inanities. Even successful writers use words lazily. I found that I could neither use the words clarity, exactness, nor precision to refer to modern writing.

Here is a representative example from the viral blog post (that was expanded into a book and became a New York Times bestseller) Mark Manson ’s “ The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck :”

The people who don’t give a fuck about adversity or failure or embarrassing themselves or shitting the bed a few times. The people who just laugh and then do it anyway. Because they know it’s right. They know it’s more important than them and their own feelings and their own pride and their own needs. They say “Fuck it,” not to everything in life, but rather they say “Fuck it” to everything unimportant in life. They reserve their fucks for what truly fucking matters. Friends. Family. Purpose . Burritos. And an occasional lawsuit or two. And because of that, because they reserve their fucks for only the big things, the important things, people give a fuck about them in return.

Notice how Mark doesn’t seem to give a f*ck about complete sentences. Rather than a focus on bringing into view a crystal clear picture of an intended theme, writing as an activity has become muddied by vagaries and inanities.

If being vague has a value, it is in the potential for mass appeal. Vague communication allows multiple readers to see multiple meanings in a text. Whereas to one reader, not giving a f*ck may mean finding a purpose in life and working hard to attain it, to another reader it may mean smoking pot and eating burritos. What is important to one reader may be unimportant to another. This form of subjective writing and reading may feel good, but it comes at the expense of precision.

There is nothing more dangerous to humanity than the inculcation of vagary. One example is sufficient. In investigating the hundreds of thousands of documents used in Germany to capture, house, feed, transport and execute millions of Jews, not a single use of the word “killing” has been found. Neither was “murder,” or even “death.” Instead, vague words like “moving” or “transporting,” were used. Jews were not murdered by the million, they were simply moved or transported from one place to another. Not giving a F*ck as a guide to life will not in itself cause such mayhem, but the training of the modern mind in vagaries can and does.

This is where I have become stuck. For me, the Bacon/Franklin quote is a solid guide to intellectual life. It packs in a single sentence all the actions and states of being required to achieve a life of wisdom. We must read, or else we will be empty. We must converse with purpose, or else we will not be prepared to act. We must write, otherwise we will not have a precise understanding of reality.

Here is where I could use your help. There is no single word today meaning “writing with precision.” Writing used to mean just that. With the rise of self-publishing, Manson-esque blogging, and emotion ridden tweeting, we seem to have lost the rigorous process required of real writing and thus of clear thinking.

In my desire to adapt Bacon/Franklin to our own time I came to the conundrum that no one would know precisely what I mean by “writing.” The activity of typing a pithy statement in 140 characters or posting a gif is no more writing than waving your arms in the air is running.

Must we create a new word? “Wrediting” perhaps? (I am clearly not good at inventing words). Maybe one of you can capture the essence of rigorous writing while differentiating from the word vomit currently spewed on screen in the 21st century.

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"reading maketh a full man": francis bacon (1561 - 1626).

Learning to read is the keystone to a successful life. Without this skill, life is full of roadblocks, With it, the universe itself is open to you. That’s why reading is such an important part of a young child’s education. The process can be simple and pleasurable, or it can be one of those roadblocks. It is up to educators to do the job during school hours, and up to parents to continue it home.

Nothing delights me more than to go to the Public Library and see a young child checking out a stack of books! I read to my children at lunchtime, even before they went to school. Sometimes on rainy days, we would have a “picnic” on a plastic tablecloth on the living room floor with a choice of books to go with our sandwiches. Only one of my children turned out to be an avid reader, but the others have been able to maintain themselves respectably in business and industry.

It is devastating to the educational system that there is a segment of society that would like to limit what children can read. Even children’s classics like Huckleberry Finn have been removed from some school libraries. It’s as if we must protect our children from learning about racism or bad language or sex or violence. They are going to encounter these facets in life. How much better to learn about them with parental guidance than to pretend they don’t exist?

It is very sad that there is a segment of the population that would like to dumb-down our education system, so that anyone, even the non-achievers can succeed. This includes making difficult subjects like math and science “easier” by cutting out the parts that actually make the student think!

In my opinion, teachers should be treated like heroes and heroines. They should be amply rewarded for their good work, instead of nickled and dimed into early retirement. In Ontario, it is disgraceful that all public employees, including teachers, have been held to a 1% annual pay increase in the face of inflation. We need excellence in the field of education, and this is not the way to get it!

Parents need to teach their children a lot of things - good manners, a sense of responsibility, honesty, truthfulness, self-discipline. That is part of the job of parenting. Teachers are designated to guide children and young people through the maze of education.

Reading is the basis for successful learning. By opening the door to many worlds, it makes a “full man” as Francis Bacon said so long ago, or a”full woman” in the 21st Century.

Discussion about this post

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"Of Studies" by Francis Bacon

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• An Introduction to Punctuation
• Ph.D., Rhetoric and English, University of Georgia
• M.A., Modern English and American Literature, University of Leicester
• B.A., English, State University of New York

Francis Bacon, the first major English essayist , comments forcefully in "Of Studies" on the value of reading, writing, and learning.

"Of Studies" is an aphoristic  essay. Notice Bacon's reliance on parallel structures (in particular, tricolons ) throughout. Then, compare the essay to Samuel Johnson 's treatment of the same theme more than a century later in "On Studies".

The Life of Francis Bacon

Francis Bacon is considered a Renaissance man. He worked as a lawyer and scientist throughout his life (1561-1626.)

Bacon's most valuable work surrounded philosophical and Aristotelian concepts that supported the scientific method. Bacon served as an attorney general as well as lord chancellor of England and received his education from several universities including Trinity College and the University of Cambridge.

Bacon wrote over 50 essays beginning with "Of" in the title and following the concept, such as " Of Truth ", "Of Atheism", and " Of Discourse ".

Francis Bacon Facts

Bacon's uncle was the lord keeper for Queen Elizabeth I. He helped symbolize the approvals for key documents. Additionally:

• Bacon is known as the father of the scientific method which was influenced by his own Baconian method based on reason and observation.
• Around 1621, he was imprisoned in the Tower of London on charges of bribery.
• He died of bronchitis in 1626 after going in the snow in Highgate, London.

Interpretations of "Of Studies'"

Bacon's essay expresses several comments in "Of Studies" that can be interpreted as the following:

• Studying is helpful for better understanding and provides knowledge that develops experience, as well as a character that grows.
• Reading provides delight and fun, ornament and showing off, and the ability to succeed.
• Bacon expanded upon different fields of study depending on one's goal; for example, to master clarity with language, study poetry.

"Of Studies" Excerpt

"Studies serve for delight, for ornament, and for ability. Their chief use for delight is in privateness and retiring; for ornament, is in discourse; and for ability, is in the judgment and disposition of business. For expert men can execute, and perhaps judge of particulars, one by one; but the general counsels, and the plots and marshalling of affairs, come best from those that are learned. To spend too much time in studies is sloth; to use them too much for ornament, is affectation; to make judgment wholly by their rules, is the humor of a scholar. They perfect nature, and are perfected by experience: for natural abilities are like natural plants, that need pruning, by study; and studies themselves do give forth directions too much at large, except they be bounded in by experience. Crafty men condemn studies, simple men admire them, and wise men use them; for they teach not their own use; but that is a wisdom without them, and above them, won by observation. Read not to contradict and confute; nor to believe and take for granted; nor to find talk and discourse; but to weigh and consider. Some books are to be tasted, others to be swallowed, and some few to be chewed and digested; that is, some books are to be read only in parts; others to be read, but not curiously; and some few to be read wholly, and with diligence and attention. Some books also may be read by deputy, and extracts made of them by others; but that would be only in the less important arguments, and the meaner sort of books, else distilled books are like common distilled waters, flashy things. Reading maketh a full man; conference a ready man; and writing an exact man. And therefore, if a man write little, he had need have a great memory; if he confer little, he had need have a present wit: and if he read little, he had need have much cunning, to seem to know that he doth not. Histories make men wise; poets witty; the mathematics subtle; natural philosophy deep; moral grave; logic and rhetoric able to contend. Abeunt studia in mores [Studies pass into and influence manners]. Nay, there is no stone or impediment in the wit but may be wrought out by fit studies; like as diseases of the body may have appropriate exercises. Bowling is good for the stone and reins; shooting for the lungs and breast; gentle walking for the stomach; riding for the head; and the like. So if a man’s wit be wandering, let him study the mathematics; for in demonstrations, if his wit be called away never so little, he must begin again. If his wit be not apt to distinguish or find differences, let him study the Schoolmen; for they are cymini sectores [splitters of hairs]. If he be not apt to beat over matters, and to call up one thing to prove and illustrate another, let him study the lawyers’ cases. So every defect of the mind may have a special receipt."

Bacon published three editions of his essays (in 1597, 1612, and 1625), and the last two were marked by the addition of more essays. In many cases, they became expanded works from earlier editions. This is the best-known version of the essay "Of Studies", taken from the 1625 edition of "Essays or Counsels, Civil and Moral".

Version From the First Edition (1597)

"Studies serve for pastimes, for ornaments, for abilities; their chief use for pastimes is in privateness and retiring; for ornaments in discourse; and for ability in judgment; for expert men can execute, but learned men are more fit to judge and censure. To spend too much time in them is sloth; to use them too much for ornament is affectation; to make judgment wholly by their rules is the humor of a scholar; they perfect nature, and are themselves perfected by experience; crafty men contemn them, wise men use them, simple men admire them; for they teach not their use, but that there is a wisdom without them and above them won by observation. Read not to contradict nor to believe, but to weigh and consider. Some books are to be tasted, others to be swallowed, and some few to be chewed and digested: that is, some are to be read only in parts, others to be read but curiously, and some few to be read wholly with diligence and attention. Reading maketh a full man, conference a ready, and writing an exact man; therefore, if a man write little, he had need of a great memory; if he confer little, he had need of a present wit; and if he read little, he had need have much cunning to seem to know that he doth not know. Histories make wise men; poets witty; the mathematics subtle; natural philosophy deep; moral grave; logic and rhetoric able to contend."

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• Of Truth, by Francis Bacon

• Importance Of Reading Essay

Importance of Reading Essay

500+ words essay on reading.

Reading is a key to learning. It’s a skill that everyone should develop in their life. The ability to read enables us to discover new facts and opens the door to a new world of ideas, stories and opportunities. We can gather ample information and use it in the right direction to perform various tasks in our life. The habit of reading also increases our knowledge and makes us more intellectual and sensible. With the help of this essay on the Importance of Reading, we will help you know the benefits of reading and its various advantages in our life. Students must go through this essay in detail, as it will help them to create their own essay based on this topic.

Importance of Reading

Reading is one of the best hobbies that one can have. It’s fun to read different types of books. By reading the books, we get to know the people of different areas around the world, different cultures, traditions and much more. There is so much to explore by reading different books. They are the abundance of knowledge and are best friends of human beings. We get to know about every field and area by reading books related to it. There are various types of books available in the market, such as science and technology books, fictitious books, cultural books, historical events and wars related books etc. Also, there are many magazines and novels which people can read anytime and anywhere while travelling to utilise their time effectively.

Benefits of Reading for Students

Reading plays an important role in academics and has an impactful influence on learning. Researchers have highlighted the value of developing reading skills and the benefits of reading to children at an early age. Children who cannot read well at the end of primary school are less likely to succeed in secondary school and, in adulthood, are likely to earn less than their peers. Therefore, the focus is given to encouraging students to develop reading habits.

Reading is an indispensable skill. It is fundamentally interrelated to the process of education and to students achieving educational success. Reading helps students to learn how to use language to make sense of words. It improves their vocabulary, information-processing skills and comprehension. Discussions generated by reading in the classroom can be used to encourage students to construct meanings and connect ideas and experiences across texts. They can use their knowledge to clear their doubts and understand the topic in a better way. The development of good reading habits and skills improves students’ ability to write.

In today’s world of the modern age and digital era, people can easily access resources online for reading. The online books and availability of ebooks in the form of pdf have made reading much easier. So, everyone should build this habit of reading and devote at least 30 minutes daily. If someone is a beginner, then they can start reading the books based on the area of their interest. By doing so, they will gradually build up a habit of reading and start enjoying it.

Frequently Asked Questions on the Importance of Reading Essay

What is the importance of reading.

1. Improves general knowledge 2. Expands attention span/vocabulary 3. Helps in focusing better 4. Enhances language proficiency

What is the power of reading?

1. Develop inference 2. Improves comprehension skills 3. Cohesive learning 4. Broadens knowledge of various topics

How can reading change a student’s life?

1. Empathy towards others 2. Acquisition of qualities like kindness, courtesy

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..BECAUSE sToRiEs Are aLL aROUnD us.. by Siddhartha Goel

Tuesday, December 7, 2010

Reading maketh a full man (an essay).

Congrats on winning the award! :) Great collection you have! :) Enjoyed reading them. :) Mother and son story is interesting one! Best wishes. :)

Of Studies by Francis Bacon Summary

“Studies serve for delight, ornament, and for ability”.

Bacon says,

Bacon says a million dollars verses,

Of Studies Frequently Asked Questions

What are the views of francis bacon regarding studies in his essay “of studies”.

Bacon illustrates that corrupt men denounce education; imprudent men approve education; however the wise men utilize education according to the command of the real-world. He also warns the educated men not to indulge himself in an unnecessarily argument with people, likewise, educated men must not suppose that education can always cause the correct conduct or interpretation; moreover, educated men should not use purely to emphasize on their conversation with others. Rather, Bacon illustrates, some books must only be read, some must be ignored completely, while few books must be “Chewed and digested”, i.e. should be understood and interpreted completely. Furthermore, he advises that some books are read by other and they take notes out of it, and these notes are good enough substitute of a book to be read, however, this category mustn’t include the books with sublime subject matters.

Explain the line “Some books are to be tasted, others to be swallowed, and some few to be chewed and digested” in reference to the context of Bacon’s essay “Of Studies”?

Hence, among the books that delight are tend to be the ones that are only to be tasted. As one doesn’t surely take in the philosophical knowledge, so one simple tastes it. The books that contain some wisdom and deep thoughts need to be swallowed. However, the books that contain a real sociological, philosophical, or psychological perception, and that necessarily becomes a part of one’s mental being, are to be chewed and digested. Nutrients are absorbed when one chew and digest the food and these nutrients become a part of the body. Similarly, the books that are useful, truthful, and worthier, Bacon says, must be chewed and digested. However, if they lack truth and wisdom, they must only be tasted.

What are the three main benefits of studies did Bacon mention in his essay Of Studies? And what are dangers associated with each benefit?

He argues that one study for delight as it allows an individual to be contented in himself. In short, studies make a man relax when he is away from social life. Studies also make one skillful to analyze and discuss a variety of topics in a prudent way and allow him to convince other with strong facts and arguments. Moreover, in business life that also includes politics, one’s judgmental qualities increases by thorough study.

The main purpose of Bacon’s essay is to guide people in experiences they might come across as they live in the world. He encourages the readers to bring their bookish knowledge in practical use.

Explain Francis Bacon’s perspective in the line “Writing makes an exact man” with reference to the essay “Of Studies”?

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Jun 19,2020

Reading Maketh a Full Man - Sir Francis Bacon

Books are our constant and trustworthy companions. From the time man started to write down, he started also to read. Reading aptly is said to be the food of the mind. Reading, books and libraries are a part of any cultured society. The fact that we have a ‘Reading Day’ is ample proof of how far reading is incorporated into our culture and society. We have a National Reading Day on January 23. In Kerala we celebrate Reading Day on 19th June.

Reading Day or Vayanadinam is observed in memory of Sri. P.N. Panicker. It’s impossible to write about the reading culture in Kerala without first writing about Sri. P.N. Panicker. A word about him duly reveals the history of libraries in Kerala. P.N Panicker or Puthuveyil Narayana Panicker is considered as the father of library movement in Kerala. The Sanadhadharmam Library initiated by him in 1926 in Nellamperoor, his hometown was his first attempt towards a grand movement. Later he formed the Tranvancore Library Association in 1945 with 47 rural libraries. They worked to spread the importance of reading and to propagate a reading culture with their slogan ‘Read and Grow’. After the formation of Kerala state in 1956, the Tranvancore Library Association became the the Kerala Granthashala Sangam. The Sangam focused on realizing a reading culture in rural villages. With their efforts they had almost 6000 libraries in their network. The Granthashala Sangam later became a state government organization called Kerala State Library Council.

Today reading is a part of daily life. Be it books or Amazon Kindle, the habit of reading plays a major role in shaping our individual sensibility. Reading nurtures young minds in a surprising way. Reading if cultivated shapes the way we think, determines our attitudes and perspectives. In short what you read becomes a part of you.

It’s said that pen is mightier than sword. A look into the world history reveals that the written ideas influenced the world more than the sword. The book fests conducted all around the year itself reveals the role reading plays in our society. The Krithi Sahityautsavam, International Book Fest, DC Book Fest and such ventures provide an insight to the world of reading and books. The parents as well as teachers should be keen to provide the aspiring readers access to these opportunities.

Reading as a habit usually starts from home or from schools. Young readers often begins with Childrens’ magazines like Balarama, Balabhoomi and later progresses to childrens’ fiction .The books by Enid Blyton, Swami tales by R.K. Narayan, the Hardy Boys series by Franklin W. Dixon are a good choice. Of course more books and more choices are always available.

Reading gives wings to your imagination. So young readers read a lot and experiment with books. Read different types of books and trust me time spend in reading is well spent.

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ScholarWorks > Education > Special Ed & Literacy > Reading Horizons > Vol. 11 > Iss. 4 (1971)

Reading Maketh a Full Man

Abraham Blinderman , State University of New York

Publication Date

My freshman class rejoices. It is our first meeting and I do not ask the apprehensive matriculants to write the traditional autobiographical essay to probe their linguistic and literary aptitudes. Before dismissing the class, I assign a reading-"My Wood" by E. M. Forster-for the next meeting.

Recommended Citation

Blinderman, A. (1971). Reading Maketh a Full Man. Reading Horizons: A Journal of Literacy and Language Arts, 11 (4). Retrieved from https://scholarworks.wmich.edu/reading_horizons/vol11/iss4/4

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“Reading makes a full man”

Opinion columnists.

There is nothing more relaxing and soothing than reading a book

“Reading makes a full man” said English philosopher Sir Francis Bacon and no truer words were said than these. Reading nourishes the intellect and nurtures the imagination. There is nothing more relaxing and soothing than sitting in the corner of a room with a book in your hands. Without travelling, without even moving an inch, the reader is transported to a new world and is exposed to a new culture and new ideas.

Reading is a gift that not all inherit and therefore the Government of UAE’s initiative to declare 2016 as the Year of Reading is a great idea. This initiative should open the hitherto closed door for many and make them aware of the extensive powers that reading has. Parents and teachers will have a major role to play and they will have to come up with enterprising ways to encourage and entice children towards reading.

Today’s world is a world of technology. People have many distractions and diversions to spend their time. Most prefer to play a game on a computer or be active on social media, rather than to get involved in a simple activity such as reading. To steer them away from electronics and make them hold a book would be tantamount to climbing Mt Everest in inhospitable circumstances. So, parents and teachers will have to set the ball rolling. In order to do so, they can set a specific time at home and school for reading, and not only this, they should also read at the same time.

As I write this, I am imagining myself with a book in my hands, in the corner of my room, leafing through the pages and my mind wandering into the magnificent, exotic universe that the writer has created.

— The reader is an Indian banker based in Dubai

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