Roger Bacon
Early advocate of scientific method
Sayings by Roger Bacon
The common herd of students knows nothing of the sciences, but only of words.
The greatest errors in the world arise from the neglect of experiment.
It is necessary to know the causes of things, and not only their effects, if we wish to have perfect knowledge.
The study of optics is of the greatest utility, for it teaches us to understand the nature of light, and of all things that are visible.
The philosophers of the Arabs are more accurate and more subtle than the Latins.
The whole world is full of ignorance, and men are content to live in darkness.
Without the knowledge of Greek, it is impossible to understand the Scriptures perfectly.
The common way of teaching is rather for ostentation than for instruction.
It is a great shame that Christians neglect the study of languages, which is so necessary for the understanding of the divine law.
The errors of the Latins are innumerable, and they are worse than the errors of the infidels.
The present method of studying theology is a disgrace to the Church.
The common people are easily deceived by false appearances.
Many things are held to be true which are false, and many things are held to be false which are true.
The study of astrology is necessary for medicine, and for the understanding of the future.
The Latins have corrupted the texts of the Scriptures, and of the philosophers.
The present generation is so corrupt that it despises the truth, and loves falsehood.
The greatest obstacle to progress in science is the blind adherence to authority.
Many things are believed on mere custom, without any reason or proof.
The study of alchemy is not only useful, but necessary, for the perfection of all other sciences.
The whole Church is in a state of corruption, and needs to be reformed.