The Essays, Or Counsels, Civill And Moral
(Bacon, Francis)
There is little that cannot be described with the philosophy of Francis Bacon. Medieval History, in particular, is a microcosm in which Bacon's words become visibly wrought in the acts of priests and kings.
From the Fall of Rome to the Treaty of Westphalia, Bacon had a belief that those who shape the destiny of others would fail to compromise; that the will of men transcends the desire to bow the knee to safety and security. "Between two types of men who seek to create inconsistent kinds of worlds, I see no alternative but force. It seems that all societies rest on the death of men." These words ring right and true in light of historical events.
This set of philosophy is applicable only for those who are at the top of the social pyramid. No Braudelian peasants need read Francis Bacon for guidance because they have little place in shaping the decisions that alter the course of nation states.
True compromise is rare, and compromises that last mark individuals and groups who have no "kinds of worlds to create." Those with a vision, a goal, or a fixed truth cannot in good conscience remand their fate to beliefs they find to be erroneous.
Could Martin Luther have continued to be silent on the issue of indulgences or justification by faith? How could Henry VI and Charles VII have ever really come to terms with France divided? No. Not ever.
Even today, the truth of Bacon's words can be seen in the fixed nature of Israel's desire to live and Hamas' desire to eradicate them. There will be no compromise, nor can there be in regard to those who create civilization. There is comfort both in knowing that men of good cause and good will hold firm to their beliefs. There is danger as well that men who seek personal gain will do so through any means necessary.
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