Quote by Francis Bacon

He that hath wife and children hath given hostages to fortune, for they are impediments to great enterprises, either of virtue or mischief. Certainly the best works and of greatest merit for the public have proceeded from the unmarried or childless men, which both in affection and means have married and endowed the public. He was reputed one of the wise men that made answer to the question, when a man should marryA young man not yet, an elder man not at all.

He that hath wife and children hath given hostages to fortun

Summary

This quote suggests that having a spouse and children can be seen as a vulnerability or a hindrance to achieving great deeds or committing harm. It argues that individuals who are unmarried or childless have the freedom, resources, and devotion to dedicate themselves fully to ambitious undertakings that benefit society. In fact, it implies that some wise individuals even advise against marriage, stating that young men should wait to marry and older men should never marry at all. Thus, the quote highlights the perception that personal commitments can limit one's ability to pursue extraordinary ventures.

By Francis Bacon

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