Thomas Szasz declared that while many people talk about discovering themselves, the truth is that the self is actually built and not found.
According to popular wisdom, selfhood is not innate but rather nurtured and cultivated over time. An excellent demonstration of this idea can be found in Francis Bacon's timeless essay "Of Studies." While the essay broadly explores the role of written works in documenting history and literature, it also suggests that deep self-reflection is essential for discovering one's life purpose. Ultimately, "Of Studies" sees reading as a means of uncovering the reason for one's existence.
"The most impressive statement a reader can find in Bacon's essay is 'Reading maketh a full man; conference a ready man; and writing an exact man.' Such statement emphasizes the importance of knowledge in one's life. Making a full man highlights the significance of a person's m
...emory in living their life. Conventions, facts, cultures, theories, principles, and ideologies shape an individual's behavior and perspectives towards achieving happiness."
Being able to confer indicates a person's capacity to express themselves clearly by sharing their knowledge and beliefs through arguments. Developing good conversational skills through reading enables individuals to communicate effectively in their relationships with others, thereby giving them a sense of purpose in life. Meanwhile, being an efficient writer signifies one's ability to manage daily activities with ease. By applying logical thinking, people can overcome both natural and human obstacles in their quest for meaning. As the saying goes, "if a man writes little, he needs a great memory; if he confers little, he needs a ready wit; and if he reads little, he needs much cunning to appear knowledgeable about what he
does not know."
The statement above emphasizes the importance of books in human life according to Bacon. It suggests that without books, people would limit their knowledge and hinder personal growth. Bacon believes that to thrive and enjoy life, humans must not only evolve but also be open to new ideas and ways of living inspired by literature and history. Overall, these statements highlight the significant role that books play in shaping an individual's personal development.
Reading is crucial for college students who aspire to become lawyers. It is the sole means of acquiring the skills and knowledge necessary to understand the laws of the land, become proficient debaters, and win legal cases. Furthermore, reading assists students in comprehending the reasoning behind the law, which can aid them in standing up for their moral beliefs and helping society by winning cases that benefit it. While financial gain may be a motivating factor for some individuals pursuing a career in law, this article emphasizes deeper purposes in life.
Bacon's quote, "Read not to contradict and confute; nor to believe and take for granted; nor to find talk and discourse; but to weigh and consider," emphasizes the significance of open-mindedness when reading. It implies that the purpose of reading is not merely to fill an empty mind, but rather to unlock a closed one. Reading can influence individuals either to conform with societal norms or pursue their passions, with the latter being crucial for achieving happiness. In addition to aiding memory retention, reading allows people to contemplate all elements that contribute towards their overall well-being.
To put it differently, reading does not generate uncertainties; instead, it diverts individuals from sadness by
providing a plethora of stimuli to ponder over. Additionally, reading expands individuals' senses regardless of their physical limitations. Reading transcends boundaries as information sources are disseminated globally. Thus, a person is not confined to the knowledge present in their locality, and this is not the sole cause for happiness.
In essence, it is impossible for someone to succumb to the pressures of their culture if they are unable to comply. There are countless paths towards achieving happiness, as Bacon's words highlight. For instance, a Business Management student may be unsatisfied with their chosen field as it was imposed upon them by parents who prioritize business over their child's passion for music. In spite of this, the student's reading of inspirational works led them to rebel against their parents' wishes. These books taught the student that one's love for what they do is far more crucial than monetary gain and unhappiness. Consequently, reading literature helps to broaden one's perspectives and liberate them from oppressive thinking. Ultimately, Bacon's profound statement - "Crafty men contemn 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" - forces readers to confront the deeper truths of life.
When it comes to the debate of reading versus non-reading, the argument boils down to whether skill or theory is more important. According to Bacon, those who read are superior to those who rely solely on their existing knowledge and abilities. This is because reading is crucial for honing and improving a particular skill. Reading not only teaches the basics but also enables further development
through extensive study and research.
To achieve contentment in attaining life's purpose, continuous satisfaction of curiosity is crucial. As an example, a basketball player aspiring to become a star or integral member of a team must not only practice consistently, but also study past plays of legendary NBA players and read books to improve their game. Unlike other athletes who rely solely on practice to enhance their skills, utilizing theories plays a significant role in mentally conditioning oneself and executing clever moves to outwit opponents.
According to Francis Bacon's piece "Of Studies", reading books is an essential tool in discovering one's purpose in life. The work highlights the significance of gaining knowledge, having an open mind, and developing theoretical skills. Access to books is crucial as it is the only means for man to satisfy his curiosity and continue to improve himself. Although appreciating what one already has is important, humans have endless desires and needs, meaning that their purpose in life extends beyond mere satisfaction. Ultimately, being alive means constantly striving to gain more knowledge.
Essentially, the message conveyed is the perpetual existence of novel findings and the consequent need to supplant preceding wisdom. This notion is epitomized in Gelett Burgess' statement: "If in the last few years you haven't discarded a major opinion or acquired a new one, check your pulse. You may be dead."
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