262 BACON 



do it ; and vice versa. And this information, from the diversity 

 of the ends and natures of men, may be taken comparatively as 

 well as simply, so as to discover what humor or disposition 

 overrules the rest. Thus Tigellinus, when he found himself 

 outdone by Turpilianus, in administering and suggesting to 

 Nero's pleasures, searched, as Tacitus says, into the fears of 

 Nero, and by this means got rid of his rival." 



As for that second-hand knowledge of men's minds which 

 is had from the relation of others, it will be sufficient to observe 

 of it, that defects and vices are best learned from enemies, 

 virtues and abilities from friends, manners and times from 

 servants, and opinions and thoughts from intimate acquaint- 

 ance ; for popular fame is light, and the judgment of superiors 

 uncertain, before whom men w r alk more masked and secret. 

 The truest character comes from domestics " Verier fama e 

 domesticis emanat." v 



But the shortest way to this whole inquiry rests upon three 

 particulars; viz. i. In procuring numerous friendships with 

 such as have an extensive and general knowledge both of men 

 and things, or at least in securing a set of particular friends, 

 who, according to the diversity of occasions, may be always 

 ready to give a solid information upon any point that shall turn 

 up. 2. In observing a prudent mean and moderation between 

 the freedom of discourse and silence, using frankness of speech 

 most frequently; but when the thing requires it, taciturnity; 

 for openness of speech invites and excites others to use the 

 same towards ourselves, which brings many things to our 

 knowledge; whilst taciturnity procures trust, and makes men 

 willing to deposit their secrets with us as in their own bosom. 

 3. In gradually acquiring such a habit of watchfulness and in- 

 tentness in all discourse and action, as at once to promote the 

 business in hand, yet take notice of incidental matters ; for, as 

 Epictetus would have a philosopher say to himself in every 

 action, " I will do this, yet keep to my rule," w so a politician 

 should resolve with himself in every business, " I will drive this 

 point, and yet learn somewhat of future use." And, there- 

 fore, such tempers as are wholly intent upon a present busi- 

 ness without at all regarding what may intervene, which 

 Montaigne acknowledges was his own defect, make excellent 

 ministers of state, but fail in advancing their private fortunes. 



