What Is Truth?

I’m deviating slightly from our usual Friday podcast format. To supplement the podcast, I’ve included a reading assignment and some study questions for you to reflect on.

In keeping with the 6 Pillars of Self Improvement, I want to work on the intellectual growth pillar today. Hopefully you can carve out some quiet time this weekend and spend some time contemplating truth with Sir Francis Bacon.

The essay is available in the public domain in Sir Francis Bacon’s book, “The Essays or Counsels, Civil and Moral,” and can be read here. Or if you prefer, I’ve added just the essay on its own in a Google Doc. It’s 854 words, or about a 7-minute read.

Study Questions

1. How does Sir Francis Bacon define truth in the essay "Of Truth"?

2. What are the reasons Bacon provides for people preferring lies or avoiding truth? How do these reasons relate to human nature?

3. What role does the pursuit of truth play in the development of human knowledge and progress, according to Bacon?

4. How does Bacon use the metaphor of light to describe truth? What does this metaphor convey about the nature of truth?

5. How does Bacon address the relationship between truth and religion? What importance does he place on the love of truth in religious faith?

6. In what ways does Bacon argue that truth is essential for morality and cultivating virtues?

7. What are the dangers of mixing truth with falsehood or half-truths, as discussed in the essay? How can these dangers impact our understanding of reality?

8. How does the opening line of the essay, "What is truth? said jesting Pilate, and would not stay for an answer," set the tone for the rest of the piece? What does this line imply about the human relationship with truth?

9. Discuss Bacon's writing style in "Of Truth." How does his use of aphorisms, metaphors, and language contribute to the essay's overall message?

10. How does "Of Truth" reflect Bacon's broader philosophical beliefs, particularly his emphasis on empiricism and the pursuit of knowledge?

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Note: I’ll share this issue of the Coach’s Notes in our group chat if you want to discuss any of these questions.

Otherwise:

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And remember:

Wisdom and Excellence,

Clay