UNIT-2 _ of Studies

Important 2-mark questions from Francis Bacon's essay “Of Studies”:

1. Define "studies" according to Bacon in "Of Studies."

Bacon defines studies as a source of delight, ornament, and ability. They serve personal
enjoyment, enhance conversation, and improve judgment in business and life.

2. What does Bacon mean by "crafty men"?

By "crafty men," Bacon refers to individuals who are cunning and use their wit or practical
knowledge to manipulate others, and they tend to undervalue studies.

3. What are Bacon’s views on reading?

Bacon believes that reading helps develop a person’s understanding and judgment. It should be
done not for mere pleasure or argument, but to gain knowledge and improve one's ability to
make informed decisions.

4. Explain Bacon’s advice on "writing" in the essay.

Bacon advises that writing makes an individual precise in thought. It helps organize ideas
clearly and contributes to better communication and deeper understanding.

5. What does Bacon say about people who study "too much"?
Bacon warns that studying excessively can lead to laziness and inaction. People who study too
much may focus on theory without applying their knowledge practically.

6. What are the three purposes of studies mentioned by Bacon?

Bacon outlines three purposes: studies serve for delight (personal pleasure), ornament
(enhancing discourse), and ability (improving one’s judgment in practical matters).

7. According to Bacon, what does studying confer to a person?

 Bacon believes that studying gives people the ability to make sound decisions, engage in
intellectual discourse, and improve their overall judgment and understanding.

8. What does Bacon mean by “histories make men wise”?

Bacon suggests that reading history teaches individuals wisdom, as it helps them understand
human nature, learn from past experiences, and apply those lessons to current affairs.

9. Define Bacon's term "conference."

"Conference" refers to the exchange of ideas through conversation or dialogue. Bacon views it
as an essential tool for refining knowledge and understanding gained from studies.

10. What type of knowledge does Bacon think is useful for argumentation?
Bacon believes that the knowledge gained from studies and reading helps individuals argue
logically and present well-founded ideas in discussions.

11. Mention one of the disadvantages of studying, according to Bacon.

One disadvantage Bacon mentions is that studying too much without moderation can make
people overly theoretical and disconnected from practical matters.

12. What does Bacon suggest about books that should be "tasted"?
Bacon suggests that some books are not meant to be read thoroughly. They should be sampled
for their key points rather than deeply studied.

13. Explain what Bacon means by "studies serve for delight."

Bacon means that studies can be a source of personal enjoyment and intellectual pleasure.
People can study purely for the satisfaction it brings, without any practical purpose.

14. What does Bacon imply by "practicable knowledge"?

"Practicable knowledge" refers to knowledge that can be applied in real-life situations. Bacon
values the practical use of knowledge rather than just theoretical learning.
15. How does Bacon classify different types of books?
Bacon classifies books into three categories: those to be "tasted" (sampled), "swallowed" (read
in their entirety), and "digested" (studied thoroughly and deeply).

16. Define what Bacon means by "natural ability" and "study."

"Natural ability" refers to a person's inherent talents, while "study" is the deliberate effort to
improve and refine those talents through learning and practice.

17. Mention Bacon's views on the utility of mathematics.

Bacon believes that studying mathematics helps sharpen the mind and enhances logical
thinking and problem-solving abilities.

18. What role does Bacon assign to "reading" in improving one's judgment?
Bacon asserts that reading helps refine a person's judgment by broadening their understanding
and exposing them to a variety of perspectives and ideas.

19. How should studies be balanced, according to Bacon?

Studies should be balanced with experience and practical application. Too much study without
action leads to inactivity, while too little study makes one ignorant.

20. What does Bacon suggest about applying the knowledge gained from studies?
Bacon suggests that knowledge from studies should be applied to practical situations and real-
life challenges to be truly useful.

21. What does Bacon mean by "too much study is sloth"?

Bacon means that excessive study without action leads to laziness, where one becomes
preoccupied with learning but fails to apply it in practical situations.

22. Explain Bacon's reference to "experiences" in his essay.

 Bacon emphasizes the importance of balancing studies with personal experiences, as
experiences give practical insight and complement theoretical knowledge.

23. According to Bacon, what do studies "perfect"?

Bacon states that studies perfect human nature by refining judgment and understanding, thus
contributing to intellectual and personal development.

24. How does Bacon categorize "books" in his essay?

Bacon categorizes books into three types: some to be tasted (sampled), others to be swallowed
(read entirely), and a few to be digested (studied deeply).

25. What is Bacon’s view on "study for ornament"?

Bacon believes that studying for ornament is valuable in conversation and social interactions,
where one can display knowledge and wit.

26. Explain Bacon’s perspective on books that are to be "swallowed."

Bacon advises that some books should be read entirely, as they contain valuable information
that contributes to a person's overall understanding.

27. What does Bacon suggest about learning through "discourse"?

Bacon suggests that learning through discourse, or discussion, helps clarify ideas and sharpen
one’s understanding of the material learned through study.

28. How does Bacon see studies affecting an individual’s judgment?

Bacon believes that studies improve an individual's judgment by exposing them to a range of
perspectives, enabling them to make more informed decisions.

29. Explain Bacon’s view on combining "natural ability" with "studies."

Bacon views natural ability as raw talent that needs to be refined through studies. He believes
that a balance between the two leads to better outcomes.
30. What does Bacon mean by "some books are to be digested"?
Bacon means that certain books require deep and thorough study, as they contain profound
insights that need to be absorbed and reflected upon.

31. Summarize Bacon's view on balancing studies with experience.

Bacon argues that studies should be balanced with real-life experience, as theoretical
knowledge alone is insufficient without practical application.

32. Explain Bacon's idea of studies serving for "ornament."

Bacon suggests that studies can serve as ornament by enhancing a person’s ability to engage in
intelligent conversation and impress others with their knowledge.

33. What does Bacon think about people who read to "contradict"?
Bacon criticizes those who read merely to find faults or contradictions in others' work, rather
than to genuinely learn and improve their own understanding.

34. What does Bacon suggest about using studies for practical purposes?
Bacon believes that studies should ultimately be applied to practical matters, improving one's
ability to solve problems and make decisions.

35. Define "discourse" as used by Bacon.

"Discourse" refers to conversation or dialogue with others, which Bacon believes is important
for refining and testing one’s understanding of studied knowledge.

36. How does Bacon compare studies with human nature?

Bacon compares studies to human nature by suggesting that studies can improve and perfect
natural abilities, but they should not overpower practical experience.

37. Explain Bacon's advice on "writing" in order to "confer."

 Bacon advises that writing makes thoughts clearer and more structured, helping individuals to
confer, or engage in meaningful dialogue, with others.

38. What is Bacon's view on the intellectual benefits of reading?

Bacon believes reading sharpens the mind, improves judgment, and exposes readers to
different perspectives, all of which contribute to intellectual growth.

39. Summarize Bacon’s perception of reading for mere display.

Bacon disapproves of reading for mere display, where individuals read only to show off their
knowledge in conversations, without genuine understanding.

40. What does Bacon imply by stating "men are best learned by reading"?
Bacon implies that reading is one of the most effective ways to gain knowledge and improve
oneself, as it exposes individuals to a variety of ideas.

41. According to Bacon, how should one approach books of lesser value?
Bacon suggests that books of lesser value should be "tasted" or sampled, rather than thoroughly
studied, as they do not warrant deep engagement.

42. How does Bacon emphasize the importance of intellectual moderation?

Bacon emphasizes that intellectual moderation is necessary, as excessive study can lead to
laziness, while too little study results in ignorance.

43. What does Bacon mean by "distemper" in studies?

By "distemper," Bacon refers to an imbalance or excessive indulgence in study that can distort
one’s thinking and behavior.

44. What kind of books are to be “read wholly” according to Bacon?

According to Bacon, books of significant value that contain useful and important knowledge
should be read wholly, rather than merely sampled.
45. Explain Bacon's advice regarding reading too many books.
Bacon advises against reading too many books superficially, as this can lead to confusion and a
shallow understanding of the material.

46. According to Bacon, what is the role of "writing" in studies?

Bacon believes that writing plays a crucial role in studies as it helps clarify and organize
thoughts, making ideas more precise and structured.

47. How does Bacon view experience versus theoretical knowledge?

Bacon values experience as a complement to theoretical knowledge, arguing that practical
application is necessary to truly understand what one has studied.

48. Explain Bacon's use of the term "natural abilities" in the essay.
Bacon refers to "natural abilities" as a person's inherent talents or skills, which can be refined
and enhanced through study.

49. What does Bacon mean by the "cunning" in relation to studies?

Bacon uses "cunning" to refer to people who rely solely on practical knowledge and
manipulation, often undervaluing the importance of formal studies.

50. Summarize Bacon’s thoughts on how studies should be utilized in daily life.
Bacon believes that studies should be used to enhance one’s practical abilities, improve
judgment, and inform decisions in daily life, ensuring a balance between theory and practice.