There is perhaps no more obvious vanity than to write of it so vainly. Michel de Montaigne More Quotes by Michel de Montaigne More Quotes From Michel de Montaigne I do not know whether I would not like much better to have produced one perfectly formed child by intercourse with the muses than by intercourse with my wife. Michel de Montaigne musewifechildren 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. Michel de Montaigne growthweakdanger And truly Philosophy is but sophisticated poetry. Whence do those ancient writers derive all their authority but from the poets? Michel de Montaigne philosophicalpoetryphilosophy I am one of those who hold that poetry is never so blithe as in a wanton and irregular subject. Michel de Montaigne blithesubjectspoetry What we are told of the inhabitants of Brazil, that they never die but of old age, is attributed to the tranquility and serenity of their climate; I rather attribute it to the tranquility and serenity of their souls, which are free from all passion, thought, or any absorbing and unpleasant labors. Those people spend their lives in an admirable simplicity and ignorance, without letters, without law, without king, without any manner of religion. Michel de Montaigne passionignorancekings Great authors, when they write about causes, adduce not only those they think are true but also those they do not believe in, provided they have some originality and beauty. They speak truly and usefully enough if they speak ingeniously. Michel de Montaigne truthbeautybelieve We have no participation in Being, because all human nature is ever midway between being born and dying, giving off only a vague image and shadow of itself, and a weak and uncertain opinion. And if you chance to fix your thoughts on trying to grasp its essence, it would be neither more nor less than if your tried to clutch water. Michel de Montaigne thoughtfulessencethinking How often our involuntary facial motions testify to the thoughts we were keeping secret, and betray us to those around! Michel de Montaigne keeping-secretsthoughtfulthinking To die is not to play a part in society; it is the act of a single person. Let us live and laugh among our friends; let us die and sulk among strangers. Michel de Montaigne strangerplaylaughing Have you been able to think out and manage your own life? You have done the greatest task of all.... All other things, ruling, hoarding, building, are only little appendages and props, at most. Michel de Montaigne thoughtfullifethinking Is there anything so grave and serious as an ass? Michel de Montaigne assgravesserious We feel a kind of bittersweet pricking of malicious delight in contemplating the misfortunes of others. Michel de Montaigne bittersweetdelightkind I do not portray the thing in itself. I portray the passage; not a passing from one age to another, or, as the people put it, from seven years to seven years, but from day to day, from minute to minute. Michel de Montaigne agepeopleyears Whatever can be done another day can be done today. Michel de Montaigne another-daydonetoday To call out for the hand of the enemy is a rather extreme measure, yet a better one, I think, than to remain in continual fever over an accident that has no remedy. But since all the precautions that a man can take are full of uneasiness and uncertainty, it is better to prepare with fine assurance for the worst that can happen, and derive some consolation from the fact that we are not sure that it will happen. Michel de Montaigne menhandsthinking It is the part of cowardice, not of courage, to go and crouch in a hole under a massive tomb, to avoid the blows of fortune. Michel de Montaigne cowardiceholesblow The diversity of physical arguments and opinions embraces all sorts of methods. Michel de Montaigne argumentdiversityopinion We are nearer neighbours to ourselves than whiteness to snow, or weight to stones. Michel de Montaigne weightstonessnow All the opinions in the world point out that pleasure is our aim. Michel de Montaigne pleasureopinionworld The good, supreme, divine poetry is above the rules and reason. Whoever discerns its beauty with a firm, sedate gaze does not see it, any more than he sees the splendor of a lightning flash. It does not persuade our judgement, it ravishes and overwhelms it. Michel de Montaigne lightningjudgementdoe
