The great advantages of simulation and dissimulation are three. First to lay asleep opposition and to surprise. For where a man's intentions are published, it is an alarum to call up all that are against them. The second is to reserve a man's self a fair retreat: for if a man engage himself, by a manifest declaration, he must go through, or take a fall. The third is, the better to discover the mind of another. For to him that opens himself, men will hardly show themselves adverse; but will fair let him go on, and turn their freedom of speech to freedom of thought.

Summary

This quote by Francis Bacon highlights the advantages of simulation (pretense) and dissimulation (concealment) in various situations. Firstly, by employing these tactics, one can deceive opponents and catch them off guard. When a person's intentions are openly expressed, it serves as a warning and a call to action for those who oppose them. Secondly, simulation and dissimulation allow individuals to maintain a graceful exit strategy. If one commits fully to a certain course of action through clear declaration, they must either follow through or face failure. Lastly, these tactics help in understanding others better. When someone opens up and reveals their thoughts, others are less likely to display opposition overtly but secretly contemplate their own counter-arguments.

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