Francis Bacon: 'The root of all superstition is that men observe when a thing hits, but not when it misses.'

The root of all superstition is that men observe when a thing hits, but not when it misses.

In his famous quote, Francis Bacon delves into the core of human superstitions by suggesting that our tendency to focus on instances where something comes to pass, while dismissing or overlooking times when it does not, is the root cause of superstition. This profound observation highlights an inherent bias in human nature – that we are more likely to remember and assign significance to events that align with our beliefs or preconceived notions, while conveniently disregarding or forgetting occurrences that contradict them.At its essence, the quote alludes to the selective nature of human perception and memory. We tend to notice and remember instances where a certain event or action yields a desired outcome, attributing it to some supernatural force or superstition. For example, if someone wears a lucky charm and experiences a stroke of good luck soon after, they may attribute their success solely to the charm, disregarding any other contributing factors or previous occasions when the charm failed to bring similar fortune.This selective observation becomes the foundation for superstition, as the human mind begins to seek patterns and correlations in events that may not have any real connection. It is in this selective observation that superstition finds fertile ground to take root and flourish. And thus, Bacon suggests that if people were to pay equal attention to the times when their superstitions fail, they would be less likely to hold onto beliefs that lack rational justification.However, let's delve deeper into the philosophical concept at play here - the concept of confirmation bias. This cognitive bias refers to our tendency to search for, interpret, and remember information in a way that confirms our preexisting beliefs or hypotheses. Confirmation bias essentially amplifies the selective observation highlighted by Bacon. It reinforces our inclination to easily accept or be convinced by events that align with our worldview while drawing a veil over alternative explanations or contradictory instances.Confirmation bias, in relation to Bacon's quote, reveals an interesting parallel. While Bacon highlights human superstitious tendencies, confirmation bias expands the scope to encompass a broader range of beliefs and convictions. We observe a similar mechanism at work when people interpret evidence to support their political, religious, or even scientific beliefs. We may pay attention to instances and studies that confirm our worldview, while dismissing or ignoring those that challenge it. This tendency hinders personal growth and restrains intellectual flexibility, deterring us from considering alternative viewpoints and inhibiting the advancement of knowledge.Therefore, both Bacon's quote and the concept of confirmation bias serve to emphasize the significance of critical thinking and open-mindedness. By acknowledging our predisposition to selectively observe and remember events, we can strive to approach beliefs and claims with a healthy skepticism. We must actively seek out evidence contrary to our views and engage in thoughtful analysis to avoid succumbing to the trap of superstition or confirmation bias.In conclusion, Francis Bacon's insightful quote highlights the inherent human tendency to focus on instances when events align with our beliefs, while disregarding or forgetting those that contradict them. This selective observation forms the bedrock of superstition and is closely linked to the concept of confirmation bias. Together, they remind us of the importance of critical thinking, objective analysis, and remaining open to alternative viewpoints. By being aware of our own biases and challenging our preconceptions, we can free ourselves from the grip of superstition and actively foster intellectual growth.