Francis Bacon Essay "Of parents and children "

Of parents and children 

The first master of the essay form in English, Francis Bacon (1561-1626) was confident that of all his works in "The Essay’s are; Counsels, Civil and Moral(1625) would "last as long as books last." One of the best-known essays from that enduring collection is “of Parents and Children”

Essay ”Of Parents and Children” written by Francis Bacon, a famous English philosopher and

scientist whose aphorism (terse sentences) Scientia potentia est (knowledge is power ) is known to everyone in the world,

represents a lot of interesting philosophical ideas. These ideas can be easily related to the present day principles and concepts. The philosophy of Francis Bacon is concluded in the fact that the major goal of scientific knowledge lies in providing benefit to the humanity. (Anderson, 1992, p.124)

My goal in this essay in to give a critical analysis of Francis Bacon’s philosophical work Of

Parents and Children.

Francis Bacon in his essay “of parents and children “shows the relationship of parents with their children, their responsibilities and the advantages and disadvantages of having children.

Bacon says that;

The joys, sorrow and the fears of the parents with regard to their children are personal

and private, not to be shared with others.

·        Pros and Cons of having Children(advantages and disadvantages);

                          

Bacon states that;

     “children sweeten labor, but they make misfortune more bitter”.

Children make it easy to bear hard work because the parent's labor will benefit the

children. But they find it harder to bear misfortunes because of the thought that these misfortunes will affect the children's well-being.

 Anxiety is increased by children but this is compensated by the thought that their memories will be perpetuated(to preserve from extinction) through their children and this makes the thought of death easier to bear.

Every species perpetuates its elder through reproduction, but it is a man alone who possesses the intellectual achievements and memory.

 Childless men do more noble deeds than those who have children. Such men have no image of themselves to leave behind, thus they seek to express and perpetuate themselves through their noble deeds which benefit mankind.

·        Parents responsibilities:

Bacon states that;

“Parents who wish to train up their children in the way they should go must go in the way in which they would have their children go.”

In the above statement, bacon talks about the responsibilities of parents, concerning the upbringing of children.

 Children are deep observers, they also learn from actions not only from words. parents must love their children in a responsible manner and provide for their healthy growth.

They must inspire their children by their own “exemplary life” and must never neglect to correct their faults.

PARENTS must provide for the material and spiritual welfare of their children. A parent is their child’s first teacher and should remain their best teacher throughout life. It is a responsibility of parent’s to preach their child moral values as they would become a good person in their future and works for the benefit of humanity.

“Parents are the ultimate role models for children.”

·        Faults of parents towards their child;

The great philosopher and keen observer of human nature, the Francis bacon tries to show parents their faults towards the children rights.

Ø Unequal favoritism: Parents, often discriminate in their love for their children this is not desirable.

        In a large family, the eldest child gets some attention and the youngest is often spoilt.

         The ones in the middle are ignored but often prove themselves to be the best of the lot.

Ø Illiberality: Parents should not be miserly in giving their children pocket allowance. This is harmful as it will lead them into crooked and dishonest ways and open to overindulgence if they come into plenty in later life. Authority should be exercised but there should be liberality in pocket allowance.

Ø  Encourage a spirit of rivalry: Another bad practice is to encourage a spirit of competition among children.

       This develops into disharmony in the family when they are older.

        “Every word, movement and action has an effect on child. No other person or outside force has a greater influence on a child than the parent.” 

·        Nephews and own Children;

Here writer shows the intentions of parents towards the children of their near relations.

The Italians make no distinction between their own children and those of near relations.

This is justified because a nephew sometimes bears a greater resemblance to a person

then his own child.

·       Profession for a Child;

Parents should choose a suitable profession for their child.

 The choice should be made early when the child is yet pliable(easily influenced).

“One of the greatest gifts a parent can give a child is to help them find their talent”

 Any initial aversion(a strong feeling of dislike) felt by a child for the profession will be overcome by custom(A habitual practice).

If, however, the child's inclination is markedly opposed to the

profession of parental choice, then he may be allowed to make his own choice.

“The Passion of a child should be important to parents”

Younger brothers generally come to good as they have a strong incentive(encouragement for action) to hard work.

This incentive is withdrawn if the elder brother is disinherited and the younger child hopes to be the beneficiary of a lot of wealth.

Critical Remarks

This essay belongs to the category in which Bacon views man in relation to the world and society. Bacon has an ability to say so much, with great depth, in so few words. The subject of this essay is of the common and widespread interest.

 This essay contains some indisputably sound advice regarding the bringing up of children.

 This speaks for the keen insight Bacon possessed.No doubt he was the wisest man having shrewd intellect.

Though the subject could easily involve sentimentality, Bacon considers it in the clear light of unsentimentality. He prepares, as usual, a balance-sheet of advantages and disadvantages which are a lot of parents.

Apparently, Bacon did not consider people with children an asset to society, as he says;

“He that hath wife and children hath given hostages to fortune”.