"We are much beholden to Machiavel and others, that write what men do, and not what they ought to do"

This quote by Francis Bacon is describing the works of Niccolò Machiavelli and other authors who concentrate on describing the actions of individuals, rather than what they ought to do. Bacon is suggesting that these writers are providing an important service by recording the reality of human behavior, even if it is not ideal. He is implying that it is essential to comprehend what individuals in fact do, rather than what they need to do, in order to get insight into humanity. By comprehending the motivations and actions of people, we can much better comprehend the world around us. Bacon is suggesting that Machiavelli and other writers are providing an important service by recording the reality of human behavior, even if it is not perfect. He is indicating that it is important to comprehend what individuals really do, rather than what they ought to do, in order to get insight into human nature. By comprehending the inspirations and actions of people, we can much better comprehend the world around us. This quote is a pointer that it is very important to be aware of the truth of human behavior, even if it is not perfect, in order to get a better understanding of the world.