Bacon's eyes expected his ancient heroes to exist around him and he searched for them in his present.
Bacon was not so disturbed by the suicides of Lacy or Dyer as he appeared to be in public.
Or represented in paint.
He was flattered by them, mostly.
Bacon was never impressed with money; suicide on his behalf was a much grander and theatrical accolade.

God, I get furious with 'old masters' when they act stupid.

There has not been an artist who ever lived who has not admired themselves at least from the elbow down.

Painting is too dirty and too hard; doesn't cut quick enough.

Know that when you are right it lasts for an instant and do not be disturbed by being right only for a moment; know that when you are wrong it can last lifetimes. Strive to be right.

I suppose I just don't believe in it much anymore. Fighting.

The rat is now our guest. And i've come to telling it to quiet down.
It seems to listen.
I'm now calling it 'mouse'.

You cannot communicate with contemporaries by preaching to friends.