The expression, "knowlege is power," traditionally attributed to Sir Francis Bacon, is not literally what Bacon wrote. According to the Wikipedia article, Scientia potentia est, the closest thing that Bacon wrote to the Latin phrase was "statuuntque latiores terminos scientiae Dei quam potestatis, vel potius ejus partis potestatis Dei (nam et ipsa scientia potestas est) qua scit, quam ejus qua movet et agit: ut praesciat quaedam otiose, quae non praedestinet et praeordinet," in his Meditationes sacrae (1597.This phrase was translated as:
"The sciences are small powers; because not eminent, and therefore, not acknowledged in any man; nor are at all, but in a few, and in them, but of a few things. For science is of that nature, as none can understand it to be, but such as in a good measure have attained it".
The writers of the Wikipedia article indicated that the exact phrase "scientia potentia est" was written for the first time in the 1668 version of the workLeviathanbyThomas Hobbes, who was a secretary to Bacon as a young man.
As the phrase was adapted over the centuries, by the early 19th century, Hobbes' version of the phrase was widely attributed to Bacon. We find it used for the promotion of the practical value of learning or the learning of information useful in life by the Society for the Diffusion of Useful Knowledge and the related Mechanic's Magazine. Later the phrase was misused in the sense of government surveillance by the shortlived U.S. government "Information Awareness Office."
FAQs
Voyez "Ipsa scientia potestas est". Knowledge is power.” These words from Sir Francis Bacon ring true for the CUA, especially in these times.
What did Francis Bacon say about knowledge? ›
When Sir Francis Bacon published in his work, Meditationes Sacrae (1597), the saying: "knowledge itself is power", he most likely wanted to transmit the idea that having and sharing knowledge is the cornerstone of reputation and influence, and therefore power; all achievements emanate from this.
Who said knowledge is power Francis Bacon? ›
The phrase "knowledge is power" is often attributed to Francis Bacon, from his Meditationes Sacrae (1597). Thomas Jefferson used the phrase in his correspondence on at least four occasions, each time in connection with the establishment of a state university in Virginia.
What is the Latin quote for knowledge is power? ›
The phrase "scientia potentia est" (or "scientia est potentia" or also "scientia potestas est") is a Latin aphorism meaning "knowledge is power", commonly attributed to Sir Francis Bacon.
What does the quote "knowledge is power" mean? ›
“Knowledge is Power” is the famous proverb which means Knowledge has the ability to conquer the world. It not only makes you intelligent but also gives you name, fame, strength, power, money, position, all those things which we would like to possess. Above all, knowledge is the ultimate power.
What does scientia mean to know? ›
The word 'Scientia' is derived from the Latin word Scientia which means 'knowledge'. Thus, science is the term for the broad field of human knowledge concerned with facts that are explained logically by rules, patterns, or principles.
What is Bacon's theory of knowledge? ›
Bacon has been called the father of empiricism, which is the idea that knowledge comes from the senses. Francis Bacon's theory was that scientific knowledge must come from the careful observation of nature filtered through inductive reasoning.
What was Francis Bacon's most famous quote? ›
If a man will begin with certainties, he shall end in doubts; but if he will be content to begin with doubts, he shall end in certainties.
What were the views of Bacon's on knowledge? ›
He believed that by acquiring knowledge and understanding the natural world, humans could gain control over it and harness its resources for their benefit. That's because, in Bacon's view, knowledge is not merely theoretical or abstract but has practical implications.
What is a famous quote about knowledge? ›
“To know what you know and what you do not know, that is true knowledge” – Confucius.
Definitions of Francis Bacon. noun. English statesman and philosopher; precursor of British empiricism; advocated inductive reasoning (1561-1626) synonyms: 1st Baron Verulam, Bacon, Baron Verulam, Sir Francis Bacon, Viscount St. Albans.
What is the good example of knowledge is power? ›
A very literal example: With the knowledge of electricity generation/transmission, we are getting power in our houses.
What is the motto Scientia est potentia? ›
The phrase “scientia potentia est” is a Latin motto which means “knowledge is power”. It is usually attributed to Sir Francis Bacon, although it is not known that this exact phrase appears in Bacon's English or Latin works.
What is a famous Latin phrase about life? ›
Summary of Key Latin Phrases and Sayings
| Category | Latin Quote | Translation |
|---|
| About Life | Ad vitam aeternam | To eternal life |
| About Life | Aurea mediocritas | The golden mean |
| About Life | Labor omnia vincit | Work conquers all |
| About Life | Beati pauperes spiritu | Blessed in spirit (are) the poor |
32 more rowsMay 29, 2024
Top 10 Best Wisdom Quotes:
"If you have knowledge, let others light their candles in it." "A bird doesn't sing because it has an answer, it sings because it has a song." "We are not what we know but what we are willing to learn." "Good people are good because they've come to wisdom through failure."
What does the Latin word scientia mean? ›
The word science comes from the Latin word “scientia” which means knowledge.
What does the title scientia mean? ›
: knowledge, science. especially : knowledge based on demonstrable and reproducible data.
What is the motto scientia est potentia? ›
The phrase “scientia potentia est” is a Latin motto which means “knowledge is power”. It is usually attributed to Sir Francis Bacon, although it is not known that this exact phrase appears in Bacon's English or Latin works.
What does scientia est vis mean? ›
Ottawa. Motto(s) Scientia est vis (Latin for 'From knowledge, strength')
