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  ...and the AEtolians, There are sometimes great effects, of cross lies; as if a man, that negotiates between two princes, to draw them to join in a war against the third, doth extol the forces of either of them, above measure, the one to the other: and sometimes he that deals be- tween man and man, raiseth his own credit with both, by pretending greater interest than he hath in either. And in these and the like kinds, it often falls out, that somewhat is produced of nothing; for Lies are sufficient to breed opinion, and opinion brings on substance.   In militar commanders and soldiers, vain-glory is an essential point; for as iron sharpens iron, so by glory, one courage sharp- eneth another. In cases of great enterprise upon charge and adventure, a composition of glorious natures, doth put life into business; and those that are of solid and sober natures, have more of the ballast, than of the sail. In fame of learning, the flight will be slow without some feathers of osten- tation. Qui de contemnenda gloria libros scri- bunt,...   Bacon, Francis

Excerpt from Essays of Francis Bacon · This quote is tagged Lies and Lying · Search on Google Books to find all references and sources for this quotation.

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