Salomon saith, There is no new thing upon the earth. So that as Plato had an imagination, that all knowledge was but remembrance; so Salomon giveth his sentence, that all novelty is but oblivion.
Francis BaconRead
The worst men often give the best advice.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Some of the most valuable insights can come from those who have made mistakes.
This quote suggests that individuals who have lived through negative experiences or have made poor choices often possess a deep understanding of life and can offer valuable advice. Their firsthand experiences can lead to wisdom that theoretical knowledge alone may not provide, highlighting the importance of learning from all kinds of life experiences.
Themes
AdviceWisdomExperienceMistakesLearning
In practice
Example use cases
During a leadership seminar discussing lessons learned from failures, one might quote Francis Bacon to emphasize the value of diverse experiences.
More from Francis Bacon
All quotes →Nothing doth more hurt in a state than that cunning men pass for wise.
Francis BaconRead
Truth emerges more readily from error than from confusion.
Francis BaconRead
Great art is always a way of concentrating, reinventing what is called fact, what we know of our existence- a reconcentration… tearing away the veils, the attitudes people acquire of their time and earlier time. Really good artists tear down those veils
Francis BaconRead
Wise men make more opportunities than they find.
Francis BaconRead
Knowledge and human power are synonymous.
Francis BaconRead
Similar quotes
Not until we have become humble and teachable, standing in awe of God's holiness and sovereignty...a cknowledging our own littleness, distrusting our own thoughts, and willing to have our minds turned upside down, can divine wisdom become ours.
J. I. PackerRead
Wonder is that possession of the mind that enchants the emotions while never surrendering reason. It is a grasp on reality that does not need constant high points in order to be maintained, nor is it made vulnerable by the low points of life's struggle.
Ravi ZachariasRead
He who acknowledges a kindness has it still, and he who has a grateful sense of it has requited it.
Marcus Tullius CiceroRead
Examine your own hearts. Do you see there any habit or custom which you know is wrong in the sight of God? If you do, don't delay for a moment in attacking it. Resolve at once to lay it aside. Nothing darkens the eyes of the mind so much, and deadens the conscience so surely, as an allowed sin. It may be a little one, but it is not any less dangerous.
J. C. RyleRead
Character is like a tree, and reputation is like its shadow.
Abraham LincolnRead
I had much rather be adorned by beauty of character than by jewels. Jewels are the gift of fortune, character comes from within.
PlautusRead