Michel de Montaigne
Michel de Montaigne
Michel Eyquem de Montaignewas one of the most significant philosophers of the French Renaissance, known for popularizing the essay as a literary genre. His work is noted for its merging of casual anecdotes and autobiography with serious intellectual insight; his massive volume Essaiscontains some of the most influential essays ever written. Montaigne had a direct influence on writers all over the world, including Francis Bacon, René Descartes, Blaise Pascal, Jean-Jacques Rousseau, Albert Hirschman, William Hazlitt, Ralph Waldo Emerson, Friedrich Nietzsche,...
NationalityFrench
ProfessionPhilosopher
Date of Birth28 February 1533
CountryFrance
And truly Philosophy is but sophisticated poetry. Whence do those ancient writers derive all their authority but from the poets?
The beginnings of all things are weak and tender. We must therefore be clear-sighted in the beginnings, for, as in their budding we discern not the danger, so in their full growth we perceive not the remedy.
Only the fools are certain and assured.
We should spread joy, but, as far as we can, repress sorrow.
I love a gay and sociable wisdom, and shun harshness and austerity in behaviour, holding every surly countenance suspect.
Getting married is very much like going to a restaurant with friends. You order what you want then when you see what the other person has, you wish you had ordered that.
The beauty of stature is the only beauty of men.
A strong memory is commonly coupled with infirm judgment.
Nature is a gentle guide, but not more sweet and gentle than prudent and just.
We are never present with, but always beyond ourselves; fear, desire, hope, still push us on toward the future.
The corruption of the age is made up by the particular contribution of every individual man; some contribute treachery, others injustice, atheism, tyranny, avarice, cruelty, according to their power.
Our truth of nowadays is not what is, but what others can be convinced of; just as we call "money" not only that which is legal, but also any counterfeit that will pass.
There is no doubt that Greek and Latin are great and handsome ornaments, but we buy them too dear.
Authors communicate with the people by some special extrinsic mark; I am the first to do so by my entire being, as Michel de Montaigne.