Sir Francis Bacon was an English philosopher and statesman born in London in 1561. He was born into a high-powered family and was connected to the monarchy from birth through his aunt's marriage. During his early years, he was educated by several high-profile professors and statesmen and quickly gained notoriety as an intellectual.

He studied law, rose through the ranks to become a high-powered barrister, and then transitioned into politics for several years. At one stage, he became a member of the privy council, which advised the Monarch.

Over the course of his studies, he delved deep into the philosophical texts created during the height of ancient Greece and focused on Stoicism. However, he believed that knowledge should be based on evidence and observation, rather than abstract ideas of reason or speculation about the correct path to reach eudaemonia.

Bacon developed a scientific method of inquiry called the Baconian Method, which involved making careful observations, conducting experiments, breaking down the information into smaller pieces, and then trying to find patterns or connections. By putting all the pieces back together, one could arrive at an answer or conclusion. It was somewhat akin to a reverse-engineered puzzle.

He believed that the purpose of knowledge was to assist humanity and improve society. He was incredibly fascinated by remarkable feats of innovation and engineering, as well as the pursuit of understanding how and why they came about, as within all outcomes lay a constructed pathway to achieve the desired result.

Reading about Bacon has enlightened me to the fact that he believed all positive outcomes were generated by a sort of formula. Through understanding and knowledge of these formulas, he believed we could achieve incredible success as a civilization, eradicating hunger, ending poverty, and creating a utopian world.

Bacon sought reason, understanding, and a scientifically calculated approach towards life and the world. He was an advocate for change through knowledge of what has been, why it has been, and how to repeat it.

Thanks,

Dean