Hostage to fortune

Posted by ESC September 15, 2005In reply to Hostage to fortune posted by Paul Schneider on September 15, 2005

What is the meaning of "to give hostages to fortune"?

HOSTAGES TO FORTUNE - "He that hath wife and children hath given hostages to fortune; for they are impediments to great enterprises, either of virtue or mischief." Of Marriage and Single Life. Francis Bacon (1561-1626).

It means once you have a wife (or husband) and children or other people depending on you, you can't go off on a reckless, great adventure.