In Francis Bacon's Own Words
“Some books are to be tasted, others to be swallowed, and some few to be chewed and digested.”
— Francis Bacon, Of Studies
In his short essay Of Studies, Bacon discusses why people read and how reading shapes a person. He argues that not every book deserves the same effort: some need only a sampling, some a quick pass, and a precious few deserve slow, careful attention. His point is that discernment matters more than completion. It still fits any modern reader who feels guilty for not finishing everything handed to her.
Who Was Francis Bacon?
Francis Bacon was an English lawyer, member of Parliament, and eventually Lord Chancellor under King James I. He is also remembered as a pioneer of the scientific method, arguing that knowledge should be built from observation and experiment. His Essays, first published in 1597 and expanded in 1612 and 1625, are famously compact and full of aphorisms on subjects from studies to friendship. His political career ended in disgrace in 1621, after which he returned to writing. He is still read for his crisp, practical wisdom.
Try This Today
Pick the book, article, or email chain you have been feeling guilty about. Give yourself exactly five minutes and decide whether it deserves tasting, swallowing, or chewing. Write that one word on a sticky note and put it on the cover. Then act accordingly: skim without apology, or set aside a real hour for the few that earn it. Notice how much lighter the pile feels.
Your Turn
What is one thing you have been dutifully finishing out of guilt, and what would change if you simply tasted it instead?
Letters are composites written by the Lifted Words editors. Replies are written in the spirit of each thinker; the quote in the blue box is their own.