Career · Western classics

Francis Bacon:Essays, Excerpt 15

Francis Bacon《Essays》· Essays · Leadership · Human nature · Action · Health

Above all, those are most subject to envy, which carry the greatness of their fortunes, in an insolent and proud manner; being never well, but while they are showing how great they are, either by outward pomp, or by triumphing over all opposition or competition; whereas wise men will rather do sacrifice to envy, in suffering themselves sometimes of purpose to be crossed, and overborne in things that do not much concern them. Notwithstanding, so much is true, that the carriage of greatness, in a plain and open manner (so it be without arrogancy and vain glory) doth draw less envy, than if it be in a more crafty and cunning fashion. For in that course, a man doth but disavow fortune; and seemeth to be conscious of his own want in worth; and doth but teach others, to envy him.

Source: https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/575
Locator:Excerpt 15 · Verified:2026-10-19 · Verification:Short excerpt

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What does this passage say about how you work today?

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