Who said “Imagination was given man to compensate for what he is not, and a sense of humor to…”?

Disputed

It's credited to Francis Bacon, but no reliable source from their lifetime has been found.

What the research foundNo reliable early source found for Francis Bacon.

Evidence: Wikiquote · How we check

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“Imagination was given man to compensate for what he is not, and a sense of humor to console him for what he is.”
— Francis Bacon
DisputedNo reliable early source found for Francis Bacon. · evidenceHumor
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APA

“Imagination was given man to compensate for what he is not, and a sense of humor to console him for what he is.” [Quotation attributed to Francis Bacon]. (n.d.). Famous Quotations Network. Retrieved October 24, 2026, from https://www.famous-quotations.com/quotes/22349-imagination-was-given-man-to-compensate-for-what/

MLA

“Imagination was given man to compensate for what he is not, and a sense of humor to console him for what he is.” Attributed to Francis Bacon. Famous Quotations Network, https://www.famous-quotations.com/quotes/22349-imagination-was-given-man-to-compensate-for-what/. Accessed 24 Oct. 2026.

Chicago

“Imagination was given man to compensate for what he is not, and a sense of humor to console him for what he is.” Attributed to Francis Bacon. Famous Quotations Network. Accessed October 24, 2026. https://www.famous-quotations.com/quotes/22349-imagination-was-given-man-to-compensate-for-what/.

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