People’s thoughts are often shaped by their natural inclinations, their words and speeches by their education and learned opinions, but their actions are dictated by habit. As Machiavelli insightfully observed— though in a questionable example-you cannot rely on natural temperament or bola words unless they are reinforced by practice.
He claimed that to succeed in a dangerous conspiracy, one should not trust the fiery nature or brave words of a person but choose someone who has already spilled blood. While Machiavelli didn’t know of figures like Friar Clement, Ravaillac, Jaureguy, or Gerard-famous assassins of his time—his rule still holds: habit and repetition are more reliable than raw nature or grand statements.
Today, superstition has reached a point where people steeped in “sacred” bloodshed become as desensitised as butchers, and vows taken in religious fervour hold as much sway as habitual practice, even in matters as grave as murder. Beyond this, custom’s influence is visible everywhere. It’s astonishing to see people make bold promises, grand protests, and loud declarations, only to act exactly as they always have-like puppets moved by the strings of habit.
The rule of custom can be absolute, even tyrannical. Consider the Indian sages who calmly lie on pyres and burn themselves alive as acts of sacrifice, or the Spartan boys of old who endured whippings at Diana’s altar without flinching. In Queen Elizabeth l’s reign, an Irish rebel pleaded to be hanged with a willow branch instead of a rope, simply because this had been the custom for previous rebels. Russian monks, as a form of penance, sit through the night in freezing water until ice forms around them. Examples like these reveal how custom rules both mind and body.
Since custom is the chief ruler of life, it’s crucial to develop good habits. The best time to form these is in youth, which we call
“education.” Early habits shape us most profoundly. Young minds are like soft clay, more adaptable to learning languages or mastering physical skills, while older minds struggle to adjust unless they remain flexible
—a rarity.
The power of custom grows exponentially when shared in groups. In communities, people learn by example, find encouragement in companionship, feel inspired by competition, and are motivated by shared pride.
In such settings, custom becomes a driving force for greatness. Well-organised societies multiply human virtues by fostering good habits, though they rarely improve the raw potential of individuals.
Unfortunately, the most effective systems often focus on trivial or harmful goals, rather than those that uplift humanity.
To thrive, embrace habits that strengthen character and align with noble aims. Whether building a career, starting a business, or seeking personal growth, the habits you nurture-especially early on-will shape your path to success.
Bacon Blueprint 