1. What is the meaning of the phrase Magna Civitas, Magna Solitudo?
Ans. It is a Latin phrase that means ‘a great city is a great solitude’. Magna was one of the largest cities built up by the ancient Romans. But in this big city, for the most part always remained deserted. Bacon means to say that in a great city friends are scattered so that there is no fellowship between them. It is true that in solitude, if one finds no friend to outlet his spirits, this solitude will surely swallow him up.
2. What is the principal fruit of friendship?
Ans: The principal fruit of friendship is to make the afflicted mind easy and comforting by discharging those things to the heart of a friend. There are some things which torment us the most, and those things make us suffer inwardly. Until we discharge them, they will make mischief within. We will be easy and all those mental anxieties would vanish when we express those unto a friend. Bodily diseases go away by the physician; mental hazards like joys, hopes, suspicions, counsels, etc. are lightened by confessing them to a friend.
3. How do the Kings and monarchs enjoy the fruit of friendship?
Ans. The great kings and monarchs make friendship despite their own safety and greatness only to achieve the fruit of friendship. As a result, they come close and easily solve the problems which were difficult before. Even the princes raise some common persons as their companions and thus break the distance and are seen to always benefit. Those common people going the friendship of that kings or princes make their best to keep the relation ever tight, and the result of which is, as historically proved, enormous.
4. ‘Cor ne edito’ explain.
Ans. This phrase is coined from Pythagoras. It means ‘eat not the heart’. By referring to this, Bacon says that if a man never speaks out his heart, thinks within, suppresses his emotions, he is like a cannibal, eater of his own heart. There is no difference between him and the cannibals. In this regard, Bacon cites the example of Communes who observed his first master, Duke Charles the Hardy, who never communicated his secrets to any, especially those which troubled him the most. It was also true of his second master, Lewis the eleventh.
5. Discuss the function of friendship regarding joy and grief.
Ans. If one communicates his heart to his friend, he is a double gainer in case of joy and grief. If you convey your joy to a friend, your joy should be doubled, and you feel better enjoyment than you feel if not say anything at all. On the other hand, if you lay down your burden of grief to a true friend, your grief will lessen in no time, and you will find a case in your mind.
6. What is the second fruit of friendship?
Ans. The second fruit of friendship is understanding and counselling. One can not look at the whole matter at a glance; can not make out the right decision to perform. His mind is generally tossed by different thoughts. He finds difficulty in reaching the right point. But when he discourses with a friend, it becomes clear to him. He can then find the things in the real perspective and marshal them in the proper line. The light that a man receives by counselling is indeed drier and purer than that of his own judgment and understanding, which always tends to be drenched by his affections and customs.
7. …..a friend is another himself”. Explain.
Ans. A man can not do everything that he likes or desires. If a man finds a true friend, he may lay almost secure that the care of those things will continue after him. A man’s body is confined to a certain place, but through friendship, he can be deputed in various ways and places. His desires that he can not express himself can be expressed through his friends. Finally, in the words of Bacon, it can be said that a man can not fitly play his own part if he has no friend.
8. Why does Bacon call friendship essential for human life?
Ans. Bacon considers friendship essential because no one can live happily in complete isolation. A true friend provides emotional comfort, wise counsel, and practical assistance. Friendship enables a person to share joys and sorrows, reducing mental burdens and increasing happiness. According to Bacon, even kings and powerful rulers need friends, which proves that friendship is a universal necessity.
9. Why does Bacon compare friendship to a physician?
Ans. Bacon compares friendship to a physician because just as a doctor cures physical illnesses, a true friend heals the diseases of the mind. Sharing one’s worries, fears, and anxieties with a trusted friend relieves emotional pain and restores mental peace. Thus, friendship acts as a medicine for the soul.
10. Why do even kings need friends?
Ans. Even kings need friends because wealth, power, and authority cannot remove loneliness or mental anxiety. Kings often cannot openly express their feelings to their subjects, so they depend on trusted companions for emotional support and wise advice. Bacon cites several historical examples to show that rulers have always relied on faithful friends.
11. Explain Bacon’s statement, “A crowd is not company.”
Ans. By this statement, Bacon means that being surrounded by many people does not necessarily mean having true companionship. A person may live among thousands yet feel lonely if there is no genuine friendship. True company comes from sincere friends who understand and support one another.
12. Why is good counsel considered the second fruit of friendship?
Ans. Good counsel is the second fruit of friendship because a true friend provides honest and unbiased advice. A person often makes poor decisions due to emotions or personal interests, but a friend helps him see matters objectively. Thus, friendship leads to wiser judgment and better decision-making.
13. What is the central theme of Bacon’s essay Of Friendship?
Ans. The central theme of Of Friendship is that friendship is one of the greatest blessings of human life. Bacon explains that true friendship offers emotional comfort, wise counsel, and practical help. It relieves loneliness, strengthens judgment, and helps people lead happier and more successful lives.
14. What are the three fruits of friendship according to Bacon?
Ans. Bacon describes three principal fruits of friendship:
- Emotional Relief – A friend helps us express our joys, griefs, fears, and hopes, bringing peace to the mind.
- Sound Counsel – A friend offers honest advice and helps us make wise decisions with clear judgment.
- Practical Help – A friend assists us in accomplishing tasks that we cannot perform alone and continues our work even in our absence.
These three fruits make friendship one of the greatest blessings in human life.
Also read: Short Questions and Answers from “Arms and the Man” by G.B.Shaw
