Of Counsel

2 ideas

1. Jupiter Swallows Metis to Birth Pallas

   In Bacon's reading of the myth, Jupiter married Metis (Counsel), and when she conceived he did not let her give birth but swallowed her, then brought forth Pallas fully armed from his own head. Bacon uses this as a model for rulers. Let counsel carry the matter to term, but take the decision into yourself, so that the resolution is issued as your own act and not as the counsellors'.

2. Three Costs of Counsel and Remedies

   Bacon names three dangers in taking counsel: your affairs get revealed, your authority is weakened because you seem dependent, and you may be advised by people serving their own ends. The remedies match each danger. Hide your own leaning so advisers cannot simply echo it back to you, and weigh each piece of advice against the interests of the person giving it.

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