Of simulation and stimulation – Bacon
Introduction: The weak man follows the practice of dissimulation because strong minds and hearts are capable of telling the truth. The man of secret nature never reveals his true essence. The advantage of simulation and dissimulation is that they keep the enemy guessing and unprepared, leaving them susceptible to being surprised at the right time. Additionally, they assist us in determining the other’s objectives. The disadvantage is that they reflect a dispositional weakness, and those who employ these techniques are viewed as unreliable.
Summary & Analysis
In this essay, Bacon discusses the deception strategy, the act of deception, and when to use it and when to avoid it. Bacon describes how both simulation and dissimulation are desirable and convenient, but their effective usage requires intelligence and a strong heart. Bacon begins the essay by stating that a deception is a murky form of strategy since it demands not only a strong sense of humour/intelligence but also a strong heart. He contends that if a person is intelligent enough to discern what to say, to whom to say it, and when to say it, and to avoid communicating more than is necessary, double-dealing will only obstruct him. Bacon suggests that one should either learn to lie or learn to control one’s tongue. For example, if you cannot afford to be that selective, “be evasive” is preferable to “telling falsehoods.”
According to Bacon, there are three degrees of concealing required to conceal a person’s true self. The first degree is one of proximity or reservation, in which a guy does not condemn his feelings and emotions in public. Dissimulation, which he referred to as a negative degree, is the second degree. This is when a man allows others to misinterpret his thoughts and actions. The third level of concealment is a positive simulation, in which a guy pretends to be someone he is not to the public.
Bacon goes into detail about each of the three levels of concealment. To begin, he makes a compelling case for an individual’s seclusion and reserve. He believes that the highest virtue of a man is the reservation. He asserts that a reserved man is privy to more secrets than he discloses.
He observes that the individual who keeps his secrets to himself and does not divulge them to others is frequently told secrets by others. With time, a reserved person learns when and how to open up. This frankness is not for the benefit of the world, but to allow his mind to rest. He maintains that all of the world’s riddles stem from secrets. While nakedness, on the other hand, is unappealing. One who manifests himself to the world is not as significant as one who remains concealed. This instance applies to both the intellect and body of an individual. By being overly receptive to the world, a person loses respect for his acts and manners. According to Bacon, most talkative individuals are ineffective and pointless. Because they discuss not only what they know, but also what they do not know. As a result, Bacon advises men to develop a habit of secrecy in both public and private life, as a man’s facial expression is more significant and credible than his words.
Dissimulation is the second level of concealing, which is inextricably linked to secrecy. Bacon thinks that a person should be a dissembler, someone who, to some extent, pretends to be something he is not. Men around us are far too cunning, and they will not allow anyone to be discreet. They will pester a person with inquiries, and if he does not respond, they will infer it from his silence rather than his words. As a result, one cannot maintain an empty stance. Thus, Bacon advises that one should allow for some dissimulation in order to remain secret, as one cannot maintain silence for an extended period of time.
The third level of obfuscation is the simulation of a non-political occupation. Bacon views simulation as a vice because it represents a pattern of dishonesty and lying. He contends that these individuals suffer from a variety of mental problems and hence engage in extensive simulation.
Bacon discusses three benefits of simulation and dissimulation. The first advantage is that by maintaining secrecy about one’s goals, one can surprise one’s rivals. As is the case when one’s intentions are questioned, one’s adversaries become frightened. Keep your opponents guessing and astounded.
By concealing one’s goals, the second advantage is that one will not be embarrassed by any failure. Once a man states his goals, he must work toward them; else, he will fall. Thirdly, by remaining silent, one can learn about other people’s ideas. Bacon contends that if one opens oneself, others will seldom show themselves, and his freedom of speech will be subordinated to the freedom of others’ thoughts. He repeats a wise Spaniard’s proverb: “Tell the truth and you will find it.”
Bacon now describes three drawbacks to simulation and dissimulation. The first negative he mentions is that it makes a person afraid and vulnerable. The second reason is that such attitudes cause others to get perplexed and bewildered, to the point where they no longer want to work with that individual and will abandon him. The third and last reason is that it robs a man of one of life’s most important principles: trust and belief.
Bacon concludes by advising that the optimal composition for a man is openness in renown and opinion, reservation in habits, dissimulation for a particular purpose, and the capacity to feign in essential conditions.