Unmarried Men are Best friends, Best Masters, Best Servants;

“Unmarried men are best friends, best masters, best servants; but not always best subjects.”-Justify. 

Or, How do you justify that an unmarried person is the best friend, best master, but not always the best subject?

Francis Bacon (1561-1626) is a great thinker and writer. He explores the differences between married and single life in his essay “Of Marriage and Single Life” (1612). He argues that unmarried people can be wonderful friends and effective leaders. However, they may not always be the best followers or subjects. Here are reasons why, according to Bacon, an unmarried person shines in certain roles but not in others.

Best Friend: Unmarried people often become best friends. They have more time and energy to save for their friendships. Bacon writes, 

Unmarried men are best friends, best masters, best servants;

Without the responsibilities and distractions of family life, single individuals can be more attentive and supportive friends. They can prioritize their friends’ needs. They can be more available for companionship and assistance.

Best Master: Bacon notes that single people can be the best masters. This means they can be excellent leaders or employers. They do not have a family to support. So, unmarried people can focus more on their work and the people they manage. They are often more dedicated and flexible. This makes them effective and dynamic leaders. They guide their employees. They ensure a smoother and more effective working environment.

Best Servants: Bacon also believes that unmarried men are the best servants. They can commit fully to their roles without the competing demands of a family. This indicates that single individuals can be more dependable. Unmarried people are often more independent. They are active in their duties. They have fewer personal obligations. These don’t interfere with their work.

Not Always the Best Subject: This point comes from the point of loyalty to their country. Unmarried people might not be the best subjects. Bacon explains that they do not have a family to worry about. They might be more willing to flee or avoid responsibilities. Bacon says, 

But not always best subjects, for they are quick to run away,

It suggests that their lack of familial ties can make them less dependable in times of crisis.

To conclude, Francis Bacon’s reflections on unmarried individuals highlight their strengths and weaknesses in various social roles. They can be the most dedicated friends, masters, and servants due to their lack of familial obligations. This same freedom can make them less reliable as committed subjects in their society. Thus, Bacon provides both the benefits and drawbacks of leading a single life.