review

Selected Essays of Francis Bacon is a timeless distillation of Renaissance wisdom. Bacon’s prose is crisp and practical, ditching flowery language for sharp insights. Essays like Of Studies turn abstract ideas into actionable wisdom, while his take on human traits (e.g., ambition) avoids extremes, encouraging critical thinking. Though some 17th-century details feel distant, its core—rationality, self-awareness—remains relevant. A compact guide to wise living.