Thomas Babington Macaulay · 1837
Lord Bacon
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- English
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- Essay
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- gutenberg.org
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- Ben Breen, 2026-09-29; suggested by Claude research agents, 29 Sep 2026
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Q32CIVILIZATION
Is widespread use of machinery evidence that a society is more civilized?Yes. mechanical achievement is the mark of advancement. Judges Bacon's philosophy by its fruits: it has lengthened life, spanned rivers, annihilated distance and driven cars without horses; its law is progress.
Gutenberg #2333 (Critical and Historical Essays, vol. 2); essay dated July 1837 (Edinburgh Review); passage read.