Hillside Garden

Stare in awe at the grand vistas this garden offers.  While here, join Jean-Jaques Rousseau and Francis Bacon as they discuss Nature.

Rousseau:  As we stand here in the wondrous gardens of our Fair City, let us discourse on the subject of nature which so gloriously surrounds us. 

Bacon:  Indeed, this garden surely is a fine example of the wonders nature provides to man.  It serves to remind us of our time in the Garden when God placed us over all creation. 

Rousseau: It is true that God placed us over the Garden, but as caretakers not masters.  Nature is God’s gift of beauty, granted for human pleasure. 

Bacon:  Nature serves us with a dual purpose; in small part it does serve as pleasure, but mostly as a resource for our advancement.  By way of husbandry, we are able to cultivate nature’s wealth to benefit our modern existence.  In nature’s chemistry are the secrets of our technology and science. 

Rousseau:  How can you say such a thing?  While it is true that nature serves us well, it is not any man’s possession.  The arts and sciences that you wish for Nature to serve are the source of man’s downfall; how can you justify forcing pure Nature to serve immoral progress?

Bacon:  How primitive…no wonder everyone hates you.  You look at the wonders of art and science as a corruption of Nature and morality, but I wonder; have you never marveled at a painting, or reveled in the sound of a symphony?  And in your illness, did you reject the doctor’s aid?  Without science, he would be no more help than a tentmaker or a prostitute in healing you.

Rousseau:  Look at this garden around us; its beauty recalls the moral purity of Eden.  Would you, most venerable Baron Verulam, force Christ to sweep your floors were He in your home?  You take that which is pure and divine, corrupting it for worldly advancement.

Bacon:  Of course not; you exaggerate my point so as to conceal your own shortcomings.  But, alas, I fear our debate must end here.

Rousseau:  Why do you say that, oh vaunted Chancellor? 

Bacon:  Quite simple; that man running at us seems to have a grudge against you, and his dagger is most convincing.