Francis Bacon is widely credited with the classical phrasing of the idea that “knowledge is power,” though the exact wording and its attribution have evolved over time. The core answer is that Bacon popularized the sentiment in the late 16th century, and later figures such as Thomas Hobbes and Thomas Jefferson have been associated with variations of the axiom. Key点
- Origins: The phrase is commonly linked to Francis Bacon, with earlier forms appearing in his writings around 1590s, though translations and paraphrases circulated widely after that.
- Evolution: Over the centuries, the maxim has been used, debated, and reinterpreted by philosophers, politicians, and educators, often in the context of the value of knowledge for public life and governance.
- Notable endorsements: Jefferson popularized the idea in correspondence about education and state universities, reinforcing the link between knowledge, power, safety, and happiness.
Direct answer
- The phrase “knowledge is power” is most commonly attributed to Francis Bacon, dating from his writings in the late 1500s, though variations and paraphrases appeared earlier and continued to be cited by later thinkers such as Hobbes and Jefferson.
