Of Revenge, Francis Bacon: Summary, Analysis & Themes
Summary of "Of Revenge" Revenge as wild justice: Bacon opens by describing revenge as a "wild justice," meaning it is a natural but uncontrolled form of justice that people gravitate toward. However, he argues that the law should be responsible for preventing revenge, as revenge corrupts legal order. Superiority in forgiveness: He states that while seeking revenge may make one equal to their enemy, choosing to forgive or overlook an offense shows superiority. Bacon references biblical wisdom, specifically citing Solomon's teaching that "It is the glory of a man to pass by an offence." Futility of dwelling on the past: Bacon emphasizes that focusing on past wrongs is unproductive. Wise men, he suggests, focus on the present and future. They do not dwell on matters that cannot be undone. Motive behind wrongdoing: People do not commit wrongs simply to harm others, but rather to gain something for themselves—whether it be profit, pleasure, or honor. Thus, it …