Michel de Montaigne Quotes
A collection of quotes by Michel de Montaigne.
Michel de Montaigne (1533-1592) was a prominent French philosopher, essayist, and statesman. Born into a wealthy family in Perigord, France, he received a classical education and later studied law. Despite his involvement in public service, Montaigne is best known for his groundbreaking work, "Essais," in which he pioneered the essay as a literary genre.
In "Essais," Montaigne delves into a wide range of topics such as human nature, morality, education, and skepticism. Rejecting the conformist ideas of his time, he advocated for tolerance, cultural relativism, and self-knowledge. The essays are characterized by their personal, introspective and conversational style, reflecting his constant search for truth and understanding.
Montaigne's writing was greatly influenced by his own experiences, including his reflections on the fragility of life after surviving a near-death experience. He believed in the importance of embracing one's own flaws and imperfections as part of being human, a concept that resonates with readers to this day.
His works had a profound impact on European literature and philosophy. Montaigne's innovative approach to writing and his skeptical inquiries continue to inspire generations of thinkers. His life's motto, engraved on the beam of his library, "Que sais-je?" (What do I know?), reflects his intellectual humility and remains a testament to his enduring wisdom.
