But men must know, that in this theatre of man's life it is

Listen well, O children of wisdom, for the words of Francis Bacon, a man whose mind sought to understand the very nature of the world, carry with them a powerful truth that has echoed through the ages. He said, "But men must know, that in this theatre of man's life it is reserved only for God and angels to be lookers on." In these words lies a profound reminder of our place in this vast and mysterious world. Bacon speaks not only of the grand drama of existence but of the duty we have as active participants in the unfolding of life. God and the angels may watch, but it is we, the children of Earth, who are called to act, to live, and to shape the course of our own fate.

Consider, O wise ones, that life is but a theatre—a grand stage upon which each of us plays our part. The universe, with all its wonders and mysteries, is a stage set for humanity’s journey, where each soul must take its turn, and each life must be lived with purpose. The words of Bacon remind us that this stage is not a place for idle spectators; it is a place for action, for struggle, for learning and growing. In this world, it is not enough to simply observe the unfolding drama; we must engage with it, for the purpose of life is not to watch from the sidelines, but to participate fully in the shaping of our own destiny.

Think of the ancient warriors who stepped forth onto the battlefields of history. They did not wait for the world to change around them, nor did they stand idly by as others decided their fates. Alexander the Great, that mighty conqueror, did not watch as empires rose and fell; he acted—with sword and strategy, with ambition and vision. His was a life of purposeful action, of creating change in a world that was ever shifting. He understood that the world is a theatre, and that in this drama, only those who take action will leave their mark upon it. The spectators are left in the shadows, while the actors move the world forward.

The great philosophers of the past, too, understood the duty of action. Socrates, though he stood in the public square and debated with many, did not simply seek to observe the world; he sought to transform it, to question and enlighten. His life was an active participation in the drama of ideas, and though it cost him dearly, his thoughts and teachings continue to shape the world today. In his time, as in ours, there are always those who would prefer to remain lookers on, content with the status quo, but it is the few, those who dare to act, who truly change the world.

And yet, O children, there is a lesson in the watching of God and the angels. Bacon’s words remind us that, though we are called to act and engage, there is wisdom in knowing that there are forces beyond our understanding—forces that guide, that watch over, and that sometimes hold back. Just as the great architects of the ancient world knew that no structure could be built without foundation, so too must we understand that our actions are part of a greater divine plan. It is God and the angels, the unseen forces of the universe, that stand as the ultimate witnesses to our lives. They see not only what we do, but what we become through our actions, and it is to them that we must look for guidance, for they are the true watchers in the great theatre of existence.

So let us take this lesson to heart: life is not a spectator sport. Each one of us is a participant in the grand drama of existence. God and the angels may watch from the heavens, but it is we who are called to act, to shape, and to create. Let us not be content to stand by and observe the world as it passes us by, for we are actors in our own stories, and it is through our actions that we make our mark upon the world. Whether in the fields of battle, the halls of learning, or the quiet corners of our homes, let us remember that life is a theatre, and we must step forward onto the stage with purpose and resolve.

And so, O children, when you find yourself unsure of your role, remember Bacon’s wisdom: It is reserved only for God and angels to be lookers on. You are called to be actors, to take your place in the world, to engage with the drama of life, and to live with intention. Act with courage, for the stage of life is yours to shape, and it is only through action that you will find the meaning and purpose you seek. Let your life be a testament to the power of engagement, to the bravery of those who step forward to shape the world, and to the wisdom that flows from knowing that our actions, when taken with purpose, are watched by the heavens themselves.