Of Friendship by Francis Bacon





Francis Bacon was born on January 22, 1561, in London, and died on April 9, 1626, also in London. He was a lawyer, statesman, philosopher, and a great writer of English. From 1618 to 1621, he served as the lord chancellor of England.

People remember him for many things: his short essays full of practical wisdom, his strong speeches in Parliament and famous trials, and his service under King James I. He believed that all knowledge belonged to human beings and urged new ways of studying nature so that people could improve their lives.






Important questions with 75-word answers each on Bacon’s essay Of Friendship,


Q1. What is Bacon’s main idea in Of Friendship?


  Francis Bacon says friendship is very important in human life. A true friend gives comfort when we are sad. A friend also makes our happiness greater when we are joyful. A good friend guides us with wise and helpful advice. Friendship removes loneliness and makes life meaningful. Bacon says wealth, power, and success cannot match the value of a loyal friend. Friendship is not only a blessing but also a need for a happy life.



Q2. What benefits of friendship does Bacon describe?
Bacon says friendship has three main fruits. First, friends give comfort by letting us share joys and sorrows freely. Second, they guide us with honest advice and help us see things clearly. Third, they give practical help when we face troubles. Without friends, our feelings remain hidden. Our judgment may go wrong. Our actions may fail. Friendship makes life richer and stronger. It supports the heart, sharpens the mind, and helps in work.



Q3. How is Bacon’s style shown in Of Friendship ? 

  Bacon’s style in this essay is clear, wise, and meaningful. He writes in short and strong sentences that are easy to remember. He uses comparisons, classical examples, and striking phrases to give life to his thoughts. His tone is practical, not emotional, because he believes friendship must be useful in real life. His sentences are balanced and thoughtful. They make the essay both enjoyable and instructive. Readers gain both pleasure and wisdom from his style.



Q4. Why does Bacon think friendship is better than solitude?

  Francis Bacon believed that life without friends leads to sadness and loneliness. Without someone to share feelings, worries feel heavier and joys seem smaller. Friendship allows open expression, easing hidden sorrows. True friends also guide us in making wise decisions and provide courage in difficult times. While solitude may bring temporary peace, lasting comfort, strength, and happiness arise only from loyal, supportive companionship. Thus, friendship is essential for a complete and meaningful life.


Q1. What, according to Bacon, are the main fruits of friendship?

 Francis Bacon says that friendship is one of the greatest gifts in life because it gives three main benefits. The first is comfort for the heart. When we share our feelings, worries, or secrets with a friend, our mind feels lighter and sorrows reduce. The second is advice and guidance. A true friend is like a mirror, showing us our mistakes honestly and helping us make better decisions. The third is help in action. Real friends support each other not only in happy times but also in difficulties, giving courage and strength. In this way, friendship brings peace to the heart, wisdom to the mind, and real help in life. Without friends, people often feel lonely and weak, but with friends, life becomes happier, stronger, and more meaningful.


Q2. Why does Bacon consider friendship necessary for human life?

Answer (Approx. 120–150 words):
Bacon considers friendship essential because it enriches both the personal and social aspects of life. On a personal level, it prevents loneliness, offers joy, and eases emotional burdens by allowing free expression of thoughts. On an intellectual level, friends provide honest advice and guidance, helping one avoid errors in judgment. On a practical level, they offer support in difficulties and share happiness in success. Bacon also suggests that friendship adds efficiency and balance to life, making tasks easier and sorrows lighter. Without friends, life becomes isolated and burdensome. Thus, Bacon concludes that friendship is not merely a comfort but a necessity for happiness, wisdom, and effective living.


Q3. How does Bacon’s essay reflect his practical outlook on life?

Answer (Approx. 100–120 words):
Bacon’s essay reflects his practical outlook because he treats friendship not only as an emotional bond but also as a useful tool in life. He highlights how friendship helps in three clear ways: easing the mind, guiding decisions, and assisting in action. Instead of discussing friendship in a purely romantic or idealistic manner, Bacon emphasizes its practical benefits in daily life and governance. This shows his realistic and utilitarian approach, where even personal relationships are viewed in terms of their contribution to human efficiency and success.












Francis Bacon was born on January 22, 1561, in London, and died on April 9, 1626, also in London. He was a lawyer, statesman, philosopher, and a great writer of English. From 1618 to 1621, he served as the lord chancellor of England.

People remember him for many things: his short essays full of practical wisdom, his strong speeches in Parliament and famous trials, and his service under King James I. He believed that all knowledge belonged to human beings and urged new ways of studying nature so that people could improve their lives.






Important questions with 75-word answers each on Bacon’s essay Of Friendship,


Q1. What is Bacon’s main idea in Of Friendship?


  Francis Bacon says friendship is very important in human life. A true friend gives comfort when we are sad. A friend also makes our happiness greater when we are joyful. A good friend guides us with wise and helpful advice. Friendship removes loneliness and makes life meaningful. Bacon says wealth, power, and success cannot match the value of a loyal friend. Friendship is not only a blessing but also a need for a happy life.



Q2. What benefits of friendship does Bacon describe?
Bacon says friendship has three main fruits. First, friends give comfort by letting us share joys and sorrows freely. Second, they guide us with honest advice and help us see things clearly. Third, they give practical help when we face troubles. Without friends, our feelings remain hidden. Our judgment may go wrong. Our actions may fail. Friendship makes life richer and stronger. It supports the heart, sharpens the mind, and helps in work.



Q3. How is Bacon’s style shown in Of Friendship ? 

  Bacon’s style in this essay is clear, wise, and meaningful. He writes in short and strong sentences that are easy to remember. He uses comparisons, classical examples, and striking phrases to give life to his thoughts. His tone is practical, not emotional, because he believes friendship must be useful in real life. His sentences are balanced and thoughtful. They make the essay both enjoyable and instructive. Readers gain both pleasure and wisdom from his style.



Q4. Why does Bacon think friendship is better than solitude?

  Francis Bacon believed that life without friends leads to sadness and loneliness. Without someone to share feelings, worries feel heavier and joys seem smaller. Friendship allows open expression, easing hidden sorrows. True friends also guide us in making wise decisions and provide courage in difficult times. While solitude may bring temporary peace, lasting comfort, strength, and happiness arise only from loyal, supportive companionship. Thus, friendship is essential for a complete and meaningful life.


Q1. What, according to Bacon, are the main fruits of friendship?

 Francis Bacon says that friendship is one of the greatest gifts in life because it gives three main benefits. The first is comfort for the heart. When we share our feelings, worries, or secrets with a friend, our mind feels lighter and sorrows reduce. The second is advice and guidance. A true friend is like a mirror, showing us our mistakes honestly and helping us make better decisions. The third is help in action. Real friends support each other not only in happy times but also in difficulties, giving courage and strength. In this way, friendship brings peace to the heart, wisdom to the mind, and real help in life. Without friends, people often feel lonely and weak, but with friends, life becomes happier, stronger, and more meaningful.


Q2. Why does Bacon consider friendship necessary for human life?

Answer (Approx. 120–150 words):
Bacon considers friendship essential because it enriches both the personal and social aspects of life. On a personal level, it prevents loneliness, offers joy, and eases emotional burdens by allowing free expression of thoughts. On an intellectual level, friends provide honest advice and guidance, helping one avoid errors in judgment. On a practical level, they offer support in difficulties and share happiness in success. Bacon also suggests that friendship adds efficiency and balance to life, making tasks easier and sorrows lighter. Without friends, life becomes isolated and burdensome. Thus, Bacon concludes that friendship is not merely a comfort but a necessity for happiness, wisdom, and effective living.


Q3. How does Bacon’s essay reflect his practical outlook on life?

Answer (Approx. 100–120 words):
Bacon’s essay reflects his practical outlook because he treats friendship not only as an emotional bond but also as a useful tool in life. He highlights how friendship helps in three clear ways: easing the mind, guiding decisions, and assisting in action. Instead of discussing friendship in a purely romantic or idealistic manner, Bacon emphasizes its practical benefits in daily life and governance. This shows his realistic and utilitarian approach, where even personal relationships are viewed in terms of their contribution to human efficiency and success.

 प्रश्नोत्तरांचे मराठी भाषांतर .


प्र.१. बेकनचा निबंध Of Friendship मधील मुख्य विचार काय आहे?
फ्रान्सिस बेकन सांगतो की मैत्री मानवी जीवनात फार महत्त्वाची आहे. खरा मित्र दुःखाच्या वेळी आधार देतो. आनंदाच्या क्षणी तो आपले सुख अधिक वाढवतो. चांगला मित्र शहाणपणाचे व उपयुक्त मार्गदर्शन करतो. मैत्री एकटेपणा दूर करते आणि जीवन अर्थपूर्ण करते. बेकन सांगतो की संपत्ती, सत्ता आणि यश हे एका विश्वासू मित्राच्या किंमतीला तोलू शकत नाहीत. मैत्री ही केवळ आशीर्वाद नसून आनंदी जीवनासाठी आवश्यक आहे.


प्र.२. बेकन मैत्रीचे कोणते फायदे सांगतो?
बेकन म्हणतो की मैत्रीला तीन मुख्य फळे आहेत. पहिले म्हणजे मित्र आनंद व दु:ख मोकळेपणाने वाटून घेण्याची सोय करून दिलासा देतात. दुसरे म्हणजे ते प्रामाणिक सल्ला देतात आणि गोष्टी स्पष्टपणे दाखवतात. तिसरे म्हणजे अडचणींमध्ये ते प्रत्यक्ष मदत करतात. मित्रांशिवाय आपली भावना दडपून राहतात, आपला निर्णय चुकीचा होऊ शकतो आणि कृती अयशस्वी होऊ शकते. मैत्री जीवन समृद्ध करते, मनाला बळकटी देते आणि कार्यात सहाय्य करते.


प्र.३. Of Friendship मध्ये बेकनची शैली कशी दिसते?
या निबंधात बेकनची शैली स्पष्ट, शहाणी आणि अर्थपूर्ण आहे. तो लहान व ठाम वाक्ये वापरतो जी सहज लक्षात राहतात. तो तुलना, शास्त्रीय उदाहरणे आणि उठावदार वाक्प्रचार वापरून विचार जिवंत करतो. त्याचा सूर भावनापेक्षा व्यवहार्य आहे, कारण तो मानतो की मैत्री प्रत्यक्ष जीवनात उपयोगी हवी. त्याची वाक्ये संतुलित आणि विचारपूर्वक असतात. त्यामुळे निबंध वाचकाला आनंदही देतो आणि शहाणपणही शिकवतो.


प्र.४. बेकनला का वाटते की मैत्री एकांतापेक्षा श्रेष्ठ आहे?
फ्रान्सिस बेकन मानतो की मित्रांशिवायचे जीवन दुःखदायी आणि एकाकी असते. भावना व्यक्त न करता आल्या तर चिंता अधिक वाढतात आणि आनंद लहानसा वाटतो. मैत्रीमुळे मन मोकळे होते आणि दुःख हलके होते. खरे मित्र योग्य निर्णय घेण्यास मार्गदर्शन करतात आणि कठीण प्रसंगी धैर्य देतात. एकांत तात्पुरता शांतता देऊ शकतो, पण खरी सुख-शांती व बळ केवळ निष्ठावान सोबतीतून मिळते. त्यामुळे संपूर्ण व अर्थपूर्ण जीवनासाठी मैत्री आवश्यक आहे.


प्र.१. बेकननुसार मैत्रीची मुख्य फळे कोणती आहेत?

फ्रान्सिस बेकन सांगतो की मैत्री ही जीवनातील मोठी देणगी आहे कारण ती तीन फायदे देते. पहिले म्हणजे मनाला दिलासा – मित्रांसोबत आपली दुःखे, चिंता किंवा गुपिते शेअर केल्याने मन हलके होते. दुसरे म्हणजे मार्गदर्शन – खरा मित्र आरशासारखा आपले दोष दाखवतो आणि योग्य निर्णय घेण्यास मदत करतो. तिसरे म्हणजे कृतीत मदत – खरे मित्र सुखदुःखात एकमेकांना साथ देतात. अशा प्रकारे मैत्री मनाला शांतता, बुद्धीला शहाणपण आणि जीवनाला खरी मदत देते. मित्रांशिवाय माणूस एकटा आणि कमजोर राहतो, पण मित्रांसोबत जीवन आनंदी, बळकट आणि अर्थपूर्ण होते.


प्र.२. बेकन मानवी जीवनात मैत्रीला का आवश्यक मानतो? (सु. १२०–१५० शब्द)

बेकनच्या मते मैत्री ही जीवनासाठी अत्यावश्यक आहे कारण ती वैयक्तिक आणि सामाजिक अशा दोन्ही पातळ्यांवर जीवन समृद्ध करते. वैयक्तिक जीवनात ती एकटेपणा दूर करते, आनंद वाढवते आणि भावना मोकळ्या व्यक्त करून दुःख कमी करते. बौद्धिक जीवनात मित्र प्रामाणिक सल्ला देतात, चुका दाखवतात आणि योग्य निर्णय घेण्यास मदत करतात. व्यावहारिक जीवनात ते अडचणींमध्ये आधार देतात आणि यशात सहभागी होतात. बेकन सांगतो की मैत्री जीवनात कार्यक्षमता आणि संतुलन वाढवते. मित्रांशिवाय जीवन जड व एकाकी होते. त्यामुळे मैत्री ही केवळ सोय नसून आनंद, शहाणपण आणि यशस्वी आयुष्यासाठी आवश्यक आहे.


प्र.३. बेकनच्या निबंधात त्याचा व्यवहारवादी दृष्टिकोन कसा दिसतो? (सु. १००–१२० शब्द)

बेकनचा निबंध त्याच्या व्यवहारवादी दृष्टिकोनाचे दर्शन घडवतो कारण तो मैत्रीला फक्त भावनिक नातेसंबंध न मानता उपयुक्त साधन म्हणून पाहतो. तो दाखवतो की मैत्री तीन प्रकारे मदत करते – मन हलके करते, निर्णयात मार्गदर्शन करते आणि कृतीत सहाय्य करते. मैत्रीबद्दल तो स्वप्नाळू किंवा आदर्शवादी बोलत नाही, तर तिचा उपयोग प्रत्यक्ष जीवनात व राज्यकारभारात कसा होतो हे अधोरेखित करतो. त्यामुळे त्याचा वास्तववादी व उपयुक्ततावादी दृष्टिकोन दिसून येतो, ज्यात वैयक्तिक नातेही मानवी कार्यक्षमतेस व यशाला जोडले जाते.








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