Of Adversity
Bacon begins
the essay on adversity with a quotation from the Roman philosopher and
tragedian, Seneca. In a
memorable speech, Seneca expatiate that all good things like happiness, wealth
etc. In one’s fate must be joyfully and gratefully received and enjoyed. At the
same time, sorrows and sufferings dispensed by fate should also be accepted
gracefully and with equanimity. During times of adversity, miracles do happen
to completely neutralize the agony and angst caused by the mishap. It is God’s
hand that brings the suffering, and it is His hand that brings the deliverance
from it. Humans are powerless before Him.
He cites the case of the
great hero Hercules who released Prometheus from his chain. Prometheus was
bound to Mt. Caucuses for stealing fire from Heaven and giving it to mankind.
It was Hercules who liberated him. How much he must have suffered before he was
able to release Prometheus. Greatness and Sufferings go together.
Prosperity and
adversity come hand in hand in life. Through prosperity, we attain material
comfort. But it is adversity that generates in us patience and fortitude which
are essential for hero. He points out that while the Old Testament speaks of
the rewards of pleasure and happiness promised by god to the faithful. In the
New Testament, Christ praises the Kingdom of Heaven to the poor and suffering. Both
are the gifts of God: Prosperity is the blessing of the Old Testament, and
adversity is that of the New Testament.
The sweetness tasted in adversity is certainly
more to be welcomed than the misery experienced in prosperity. Bacon compares
this to a bright needlework on a dark background which is more striking than a
dark embroidery on a bright surface.
Finally, Bacon
compares the happiness produced under the pressure of adversity to the
fragrance that comes when a flower is crushed. Thus, Bacon asks us to face
adversity with courage and hopefulness.
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