"Therefore if a man look sharply and attentively, he shall see Fortune; for though she be blind, yet she is not invisible"

Francis Bacon’s words suggest that Fortune, often personified as blind in classical and Renaissance literature, is not so elusive as to escape the perceptive eye. Whereas popular belief holds that luck or Fortune is irrational, random, and impartial, “blind” in her distribution of favors, Bacon presents a nuanced view. He argues that despite Fortune’s blindness, her presence and workings can still be discerned by those who observe with care and insight. The phrase “look sharply and attentively” stresses the importance of vigilance, discernment, and careful observation in navigating life’s uncertainties.

Rather than resigning oneself to the whims of chance or luck, Bacon supports the idea that patterns, opportunities, and causes underlie seemingly random outcomes. Fortune may not “see” where she bestows her gifts, yet those gifts and their trajectories are available for study by those with keen perception. This reflects Bacon’s broader philosophical approach, which emphasizes empirical observation and rational inquiry over passive acceptance of fate. The implication is that success or failure is not entirely arbitrary; those who cultivate attentiveness and critical thinking can identify openings, tendencies, and changes that others may miss.

Furthermore, the statement conveys a subtle encouragement toward responsibility and agency. If Fortune is not invisible, then individuals are not powerless. By consciously observing, adapting, and preparing, people can align themselves with the flow of events, turning apparent chance to their advantage. The image of Fortune as not being completely hidden affirms the value of wisdom and foresight. Even in a world shaped by unpredictability, there remains room for strategy and sagacity.

Ultimately, Bacon’s observation reassures that although destiny may not be fully in human control, neither is it wholly inaccessible. With diligence and insight, individuals can engage with the circumstances of their lives, glimpsing and influencing the workings of Fortune.