Michel de Montaigne, a French nobleman who retired to his tower in the 1570s, invents the essay as a way to examine himself. In more than a hundred pieces on subjects including friendship, cannibals, education, idleness, death, experience, and the habit of thinking about thoughts, he questions received opinions and tests them against his own experience and ancient authors. His motto, "What do I know?", gives voice to a gentle skepticism.
Readers who like reflective writing, philosophy, and the origins of the personal essay will find a companion that remains relevant. It is well suited to dipping in, one chapter at a time, and has influenced writers for centuries.
Deep, inward-looking, contemplative and open-ended; a demanding read.
Best for readers like The Wisdom Collector. Which reader are you?
- Published
- 2010
- Publisher
- Cia.das letras
- ISBN
- 9788563560063
- Language
- FR
Quotes by Michel de Montaigne
More →To doubt everything or to believe everything are two equally convenient solutions; both dispense with the need for thought.
Essays
The most certain sign of wisdom is cheerfulness.
Essays
