Of Nobility-Bacon

Of Nobility

I Summary:

Ø  A monarchy without a nobility is an absolute tyranny. The nobility works as a check on the soverign.

Ø 

But the nobility is unnecessary in democracy, it might even be bad.

Ø  In a democracy people consider less the other persons than they do business, and if they consider the others it is for the sake of business.

Ø  Switzerland is not united by respect, and not by religion, but by their mutual utility.

Ø  The Low Countries have great government. They have equality, which makes paying taxes more enjoyable.

Ø  The nobility brings majesty to a monarch, at the cost of some power.

Ø  The nobility brings spirit to the people, at the cost of some wealth.

Ø  The best nobility is one under the sovereign and under justice, but above the common people. In this position they are a buffer between monarch and subjects and their insolence.

Ø  There should not be too many nobles, for to maintain a nobility is expensive. Also, once some nobles become poor, wealth and honour are no longer proportionate.

Ø  It is beautiful to see an old structure in great condition.

Ø  The same is true of an old noble family which survived the centuries.

Ø  Through power, new nobles come about, but old nobles can only be the result of time.

Ø  It is unusual for someone to rise in status without the person being both good and evil.

Ø  Thus, someone rising into the nobility has usually more virtue, but less innocence, compared to those born into it.

Ø  But over time, their virtues will be remembered, their faults forgotten.

Ø  Those of noble birth seldom work.

Ø  Those who do not work usually envy those who do.

Ø  Also, for a noble person it is hard to rise any further.

Ø  To be stagnant while others rise may also be a source of envy.

Ø  But noble persons, due to their honour, are usually immune to envy from others.

Ø  Those kings with an able nobility should use them for business.

Ø  People usually follow the nobility; it is as if they were born to command.

II Summary:

Ø  Francis Bacon discusses two types of nobility, but this easy actually begins with praise for democracy. The word ‘nobility’ means both nobleness of character and the aristocracy.

Ø  First, Bacon describes the nobles as constituting the upper or aristocratic class in society.

Ø  The nobles exercise a restraint on the king. The king who has no nobles to check him is likely to become a despot, as happened in turkey where there no nobles.

Ø  Nobles are not necessary in a democratic country. People in democratic countries are commonly quiet and law abiding and do not indulge in conspiracy. In democratic countries, people pay attention to the business that is transacted and not to the person who transacts the business.

Ø  Switzerland and Netherlands are democratic nations with many religions and states. Yet, these countries flourish because there is equality among the people. All are treated impartially. In these democratic countries, there are no noble with flags and pedigrees, claiming superiority to others. As all are treated alike, people pay taxes without any grudge.

Ø  Next, Bacon discusses certain advantages and disadvantages in having nobles. Powerful nobles add majesty to the king. The king surrounded by powerful nobles is also powerful. At the same time, if the nobles are self-seeking, they will seek to dethrone the king.

Ø  The great nobles are a source of inspiration to the people but are a drain on their resources. It is important that nobles are obedient to the king and abide by the law. The nobles serve as a welcome barrier between the king and the people.

Ø  The displeasure of the people is first vented against the nobles before it bursts on the king. The existence of a large number of nobles is a drain on the national exchequer. Many nobles become financially weak in course of time. Such nobles are honourable but impoverished.

Ø  Second, Bacon discusses the qualities of an individual noble. Just as it is heartening to see an ancient building or castle intact, it is pleasing to see an ancient noble family that has withstood the ravages of time.

Ø  An ancient noble family is the product of time whereas a modern noble family is a product of the law. Both ‘good and evil arts’ go into the making of a noble family.

Ø  It is important that the good qualities of a noble are passed on to the succeeding generation whereas his faults should die with himself.

Ø  A noble who does not work hard and improve his lot envies the man who makes progress through hard work. Nobody will envy a noble because he is in possession of honour. It is good for a king to employ nobles because, the nobles being endowed with a commanding demeanour, ordinary people automatically obey them.