Simplified version of "Of Truth" by Francis Bacon

 Simplified version of "Of Truth" by Francis Bacon 

"Pilate once asked, 'What is truth?' in a joking manner, not waiting for an answer. Some people enjoy being uncertain and find it restricting to firmly believe in something. They prefer the freedom to think and act as they please. While the ancient philosophers who embraced this way of thinking are no longer around, there are still individuals today who share similar views, though not as strongly.

The challenge in discovering the truth and the mental effort it demands don't always lead people to accept it willingly. There's a natural but flawed attraction to lies themselves. One Greek philosopher pondered why people love lies when they don't always bring pleasure like poetry or serve a purpose like in business; it's simply for the sake of the lie.

Truth, however, is straightforward and doesn't have the glamour or allure of the world's splendid displays. It's like daylight, revealing things plainly without the grandeur of artificial lights. While truth might be valuable, like a pearl that shines best in daylight, it lacks the dazzle of a diamond or ruby that sparkles in various lights.

Mixing a lie with truth often makes things more appealing. If people's minds were cleared of false ideas, unrealistic hopes, wrong judgments, and fanciful thoughts, many would feel discontented and unhappy within themselves."

Some people have criticized poetry as something that stirs the imagination excessively, even labeling it as a dangerous drink of the demons. They say it's like a shadow of a lie, not an actual lie itself. However, what really harms is not the passing thought of a lie but the lie that takes root and settles in the mind, as we talked about earlier.

Despite how people might judge and feel about these things, truth, which judges itself, teaches us that seeking truth, understanding it, and believing in it are the greatest goods for humanity. In the sequence of creation, God first gave the gift of sensory perception, then the gift of reason, and since then, continues to enlighten our spirits. Just as God brought light to chaos and then to humanity, God continues to shed light on those chosen by Him.

A poet once said that it's fascinating to watch ships being tossed at sea or a battle from the safety of a castle window, but nothing compares to standing on the high ground of truth. From there, one can see the mistakes, confusions, and troubles of those below. However, it's crucial that this perspective is accompanied by compassion, not arrogance. Having a mind rooted in kindness, trusting in a higher power, and centered on truth is like experiencing heaven while living on earth.

To switch from talking about truths in religion and philosophy to truths in everyday life, even people who might not always follow this idea would agree that being honest and straightforward is a noble characteristic of human nature. Mixing lies with the truth is like adding cheap metals to gold and silver—sure, it might make the material more workable, but it reduces its value. These sneaky and dishonest ways are like how a serpent moves: low to the ground and not on its feet. Nothing brings more disgrace than being discovered as dishonest and untrustworthy. Montaigne had an interesting take on why lying is so disgraceful. He said that calling someone a liar is to say they're brave against God but cowardly towards people. A lie confronts God but hides from people. Dishonesty and breaking trust are seen as such terrible things that they're said to be the final straw, leading to God's judgment on humankind. It's even been predicted that when Christ returns, there won't be much faith left on earth.

Important Words and Phrases :

• Pilate: A Roman official who questioned Jesus Christ before his crucifixion.
• Jesting: Joking or making fun in a playful manner.
• Giddiness: A state of being lightheaded or easily excited.
• Depraved: Morally corrupt or wicked.
• Inquiry: Seeking or searching for something, especially the truth.
• Love-making: Here, referring to the act of pursuing or seeking truth earnestly.
• Wooing: Courting or seeking affection or favor, often in relation to truth.
• Sovereign: Highest or supreme in authority or power.
• Melancholy: A feeling of sadness or depression.
• Vinum daemonum: Latin for "wine of demons."
• Imagination: The ability to create mental images or ideas.
• Shadow of a lie: Something that resembles a lie but isn’t entirely untrue.
• Winding and crooked courses: Devious or deceitful paths.
• Embaseth: Lowers in quality or value.
• Vice: Immoral behavior or habit.
• Perfidious: Deceitful or untrustworthy.
• Disgrace: A state of being unworthy or dishonorable.
• Odious: Hateful or offensive.
• Brave: Here, being courageous or bold.
• Coward: A person who lacks courage or is timid.
• Foretold: Predicted or prophesied.

Phrases:

1. "Delight in giddiness": Enjoyment derived from being lighthearted or easily excited.
2. "Fix a belief": To firmly establish or settle on a particular belief or idea.
3. "Inquiry of truth": Actively seeking or investigating the truth.
4. "Love-making of truth": Pursuing or wooing the truth earnestly.
5. "Knowledge of truth": Understanding or being aware of the truth.
6. "Belief of truth": Having faith or trust in the truth.
7. "Sovereign good of human nature": The ultimate or supreme benefit for humanity.
8. "Vinum daemonum": Latin for "wine of demons," suggesting that poetry has an intoxicating effect like wine but is a mere semblance of a lie.
9. "Shadow of a lie": Something that resembles a lie but isn't entirely untrue.
10. "Winding and crooked courses": Devious or deceitful paths.
11. "Embaseth it": Lowers the quality or value of something.
12. "Perfidious": Deceitful or untrustworthy.
13. "Foretold": Predicted or prophesied.