A look at the later years in the life and career of one of the world's most brilliant statesmen and thinkers.
Career With James I: 1607-1621
Francis Bacon's extravagant life style was keeping him in debt, despite the enjoyment of a larger income, which began with his appointment to Clerkship of the Star Chamber. He constantly sought promotion by supporting the king, despite his disagreement with many of his policies. His services were rewarded in 1607 with the office of "Solicitor," and in 1610 the famous fourth parliament of James met. The House was dissolved in February of 1611, due to arguments between the king and the Commons concerning the king's outrageous extravagance. By playing both ends against the middle, Francis Bacon was able to secure the post of Attorney General in 1613.
Sir Francis Bacon's influence over King James Iwas resented and feared by many of his peers. Despite their machinations, he continued to receive the King's favor, and in 1618 was appointed Lord Chancellor. Here Sir Francis Bacon demonstrated a failure of character that surpassed the brilliance of his intellect, and his public career ended in disgrace in 1621. He was charged with 23 counts of corruption, and made no attempt to deny the charges or defend himself. Sir Francis Bacon thereafter devoted himself to study and writing.
Works and Philosophy
Francis Bacon's most famous works include, his "Essays," "The Colours of Good and Evil" and the "Meditationes Sacrae" all published in 1597. He also wrote the "Novum Organum" (1620) and the "Astrologia Sana," in which he expressed his belief that the stars had physical effects on the planets. Sir Francis Bacon stressed the power of inductive reasoning, and the power of false notions called "idols," which distort the truth. There are four kinds: idols common to race, to the individual, arising from misuse of language and from abuse of authority. Sir Francis Bacon considered moral action to be governed by reason, impelled by passion and completely relative, as the characters of men and situations differ.
Death and Aftermath
Unlike his life, Sir Francis Bacon's death was somewhat absurd. In March of 1626, while driving on a snowy day in London, he became inspired by the idea of using snow as a meat preservative. He purchased a chicken and while trying to stuff it, contracted a fatal case of pneumonia! Sir Francis Bacon died in debt on April 9th.
Francis Bacon's ideas did not have an impact on philosophical thought until the Restoration Period, and in the 19th century his emphasis on induction was revived by some of the scholars of the day. He remains one of the world's most astute and brilliant thinkers.
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