Write the introduction and summary of the essay "Of Studies".

Write the introduction and summary of the essay “Of Studies”.

Ans.

Introduction

The Renaissance influenced the people of Elizabethan Age so greatly that studies became an essential part of their daily life. In order to attain limitless knowledge so many of them began to adopt short-cut methods of reading books. In place of reading bulky books they liked to know about books by using notes, or extracts made from them by others. Bacon points out objects and proper ways of studies in the present essay. According to him the short-cut method should be used to study unimportant books only.

Bacon claims that studies serve not only the single purpose of increasing knowledge. but also contribute to delight, to improve ability and to make our expression impressive. He warns against the excessive use of studies in practical life for the importance of natural abilities and practical experience cannot be ignored. This essay brings to light Bacon’s good sense, wit and condensation of thought. It consists of those thoughts and ideas which Bacon has discussed in his great work ‘The Advancement Of Learning’. It is Bacon’s comprehensive approach to the subject that he points out the medical value as well as the disadvantages of studies.

Summary of the Essay

Bacon deals with different modes of study and concludes with useful advice how some mental defects can be cured by appropriate studies. The essay is remarkable for apt illustrations and the wisdom it embodies. Bacon begins his essay by pointing out that there are three chief uses of studies. They provide delight in leisure and privacy. They serve as decorative ornaments in social gatherings and they give ability in practical business. They develop and perfect the natural faculties of the mind and are themselves perfected by the experience of real life. The disadvantages of studies are also there. Spending too much of time in studies and neglecting other affairs indicate sloth. Needless display of knowledge in season and out of season shows affectation. To decide everything by the help of bookish learning is the natural characteristic of a scholar.

Bacon gives valuable guidance to us by laying down some rules for study: He says that books should be studied dispassionately and not with a prejudiced mind. One should not blindly accept everything that is written in books; nor should one criticize and contradict everything. One should weigh, consider and accept only those things which convince one as true. There are also different kinds of books. Some books are to be read in parts only. There are some others which can be read entirely but hurriedly there are a few good books which must be read in details and very carefully. There are still some books which can be read in summaries and abstracts made by others.

There are different modes of study. Reading is meant to gather knowledge. Conversation helps the mind to acquire readiness and agility. The habit of writing helps to systematize thoughts and ideas and to obtain accuracy of expressions. Studies also exercise a profound influence on the development of character. The study of mathematics increases the subtlely of mind and that of philosophy enhances its gravity. The study of logic and rhetoric increases the power of debate and discussion.

Just as physical exercises cure physical defects and diseases, in the same way studies cure mental defects and diseases. Just as bowling is good for the kidneys, shooting for the lungs, gentle walking for the stomach and riding for the head, in the same way the study of mathematics is good for wandering wits, that of scholastic philosophy helps a confused mind and the study of law cases helps those who cannot recall reference and arrange arguments to prove their point. Thus, every mental defect can be removed by proper study.