Michel de Montaigne, a prominent French philosopher and essayist of the 16th century, is widely regarded as one of the most influential figures of the Renaissance. His groundbreaking work, Essays, revolutionized the genre of the essay and explored a wide range of topics, including human nature, morality, education, and self-reflection. Montaigne’s unique approach to writing—which emphasized personal experience and introspection—continues to captivate readers and inspire philosophical thought.
Montaigne was born in 1533 in the Aquitaine region of France, into a minor nobility. His father, Pierre Eyquem de Montaigne, was a man of strong intellectual bent who exposed him to a wide range of subjects, including Latin, Greek, and the classics. Montaigne greatly admired his father and the intellectual environment he provided. On the other hand, his mother, Antoinette López de Villanueva, was a figure whom he loathed throughout his life and spoke of very little.
His father, Pierre Eyquem, was elected Mayor of Bordeaux, and Montaigne followed in his footsteps by entering municipal politics as a Councillor in the Chamber de Enquetes at the age of 24. He endured the work there for the next 13 years, but found himself terribly bored by the routine. The only bright spot of the time for him was that he met his great friend Étienne de La Boétie, with whom he formed an enduring emotional relationship that lasted until La Boétie’s death from fever in 1563 at the age of 32. Montaigne memorialized their bond in an essay titled “On Friendship,” and spoke of it fondly throughout the rest of his life.
In 1568 Montaigne inherited the title of the father and the family estate after the death of his father, and he soon after sold his public position and retired to his family estate. He wrote:
“In the year of Christ 1571, at the age of thirty-eight, on the last day of February, his birthday, Michel de Montaigne, long weary of the servitude of the court and of public employments, while still entire, retired to the bosom of the learned Virgins, where in calm and freedom from all cares he will spend what little remains of his life, now more than half run out. If the fates permit, he will complete this abode, this sweet ancestral retreat; and he has consecrated it to his freedom, tranquillity, and leisure.”
Although Montaigne longed for retirement, he soon realized that it did not bring the joy and delight he had anticipated. He had to grapple with periods of depression, which prompted him to turn to writing as a means of combatting his inner struggles. Early in his career, he wrote the “Apology for Raymond Sebond,” a skeptical critique of Sebond’s attempt to prove the existence of God through “Natural Theology.”
However, once Montaigne discovered the boundless and profound subject of himself, he became deeply absorbed in introspection and self-reflection. He rarely strayed from this exploration, and this newfound focus brought him relief from his depression. He became more relaxed and at ease with himself, and he grew less concerned with rigid moral strictures. Instead, he developed a sense of tolerance towards himself and others. Montaigne became more easy-going, friendly, and open-minded in his approach to life and interactions with others.
In 1580, Montaigne published the first two books of his Essays. He then embarked on a journey to Italy, documenting his experiences in a Travel Journal. In 1581, he was elected as Mayor of Bordeaux and was to serve a four-year term. However, he resigned from the position in 1583, after serving less than two years. Around this time, a plague outbreak struck the city, and Montaigne escaped its devastating impact by undertaking further travels. During his journeys, he took delight in observing the diverse characteristics and customs of the people he encountered, cherishing the insights gained from such encounters.
After the publication of the first three books of the Essays in 1588, Montaigne resumed his political activities, working on behalf of Henry of Navarre. He also continued to work on his book, engaging in constant revisions, making corrections, and introducing minor additions. These revisions were reflected in the margins of the copy published in 1588, which later became known as the Bordeaux copy. Montaigne diligently worked on his book until the end, capping it with the cheerful epigraph: “He acquires strength as he goes.”
Despite the extremely precarious and tumultuous nature of his time, including severe outbreaks of plague and extreme violence, Montaigne led a joyful existence. He was always happy to share this fact with his readers, along with everything else about himself. Although he told his readers not to waste their time on such a frivolous subject as himself, most, if not all, seemed to disagree with him. The Essays was a bestseller, read by all those who were literate at the time.
Edit the following text: “While there had been confessions such as those written by Saint Augustine, and there has also been studies and treatise on the working of the human mind and similar works, the manner and the style with which Montaigne wrote the Essays, which he called his “foolish enterprise,” was unique and totally unprecedented. He firmly states that he was his own subject, set out to study Michel de Montaigne, not set out to study anything in general sense, such the human mind, unless it is in indirect sense, as it related to him, or by reference to what he has been, a Mayer of Bordeaux, as representative, or an instance of something.”
While there had been confessions such as those written by Saint Augustine, as well as studies and treatises on the workings of the human mind and similar subjects, the manner and style with which Montaigne wrote his Essays was unique and entirely unprecedented. He referred to his work as his “foolish enterprise,” and he firmly declared that he was his own subject. Instead of pursuing a general exploration of concepts like the human mind or representing a specific group or type, such as a Mayor of Bordeaux, his focus was solely on one individual: himself, Michel de Montaigne. “He wrote:
“The world always looks straight ahead; as for me, I turn my gaze inward, I fix it there and keep it busy. Everyone looks in front of him; as for me, I look inside of me; I have no business but with myself; I continually observe myself; I take stock of myself, I taste myself. Others always go elsewhere, if they stop to think about it; they always go forward, . . . as for me, I roll about in myself.”
In the Essays, Montaigne puts these words into practice, conducting profound self-experiments. He becomes the subject of his own inquiry, venturing into uncharted territory without a predecessor to follow. He pioneers a unique topic in literature, developing the literary form that suits his needs. His writing encompasses a fusion of philosophical musings, classical references, autobiographical elements, and more, creating a rich tapestry of thought and introspection.
Edit the following text: “In line with his skepticism, and the believe in the limits of human knowledge and understanding, Montaigne prefers moderation in all things, most of all he abhors cruelty, and says: “Among other vices, I cruelly hate cruelty, both by nature and by judgment, as the extreme of all vices . . .” Still worse, is the cruelty that often supports mere opinions . . . “Should the regular means of support be lacking, we support them with commands, force, fire and sword. . .”
In line with his skepticism and belief in the limits of human knowledge and understanding, Montaigne prefers moderation in all things, most of all he abhors cruelty, and says: ‘Among other vices, I cruelly hate cruelty, both by nature and by judgment, as the extreme of all vices . . .’ Still worse, is the cruelty that often supports mere opinions . . . ‘ Should the regular means of support be lacking, we support them with commands, force, fire and sword. . .’
Montaigne’s profound aversion to cruelty mirrors his humane and compassionate nature, qualities he upheld despite the harsh realities of his time. Central to his essays is the theme of humanism, which emphasizes the value and dignity of each individual. Montaigne celebrated the diversity and intricacy of human beings, acknowledging that our thoughts, emotions, and actions can often be contradictory and unpredictable. He challenged the idea of absolute truth, advocating for open-mindedness and tolerance instead.
Montaigne’s essays encompass a wide range of topics, offering profound insights into various aspects of human existence. He delved into subjects such as friendship, love, education, politics, the pursuit of happiness, and more. As I continue writing my blogs, I will explore his unique perspectives on these specific topics.
Through his introspective and self-revealing style, Montaigne invites readers to reflect on their own lives and engage in introspection. He encourages humility and an awareness of our biases and prejudices. Montaigne’s skepticism reminds us that absolute certainty is elusive, and we should approach knowledge and understanding with humility and openness.
Montaigne’s writings have left a lasting impact on philosophical thought and literature. His essays pioneered the personal essay genre, influencing writers and thinkers for centuries to come. Renowned figures like Francis Bacon, Ralph Waldo Emerson, and Friedrich Nietzsche drew inspiration from Montaigne’s introspective and candid style.
Beyond his literary contributions, Montaigne’s ideas on education were revolutionary for his time. He advocated for an education that nurtured individuality and fostered critical thinking rather than rote memorization. Montaigne believed that true education should focus on the development of character and the cultivation of moral virtues. His progressive views on education continue to resonate and hold relevance in modern educational philosophies.
Montaigne’s enduring relevance in contemporary society stems from his celebration of human diversity, skepticism towards absolute truths, and emphasis on self-reflection and personal growth. His writings serve as an invitation to question conventional wisdom, challenge our assumptions, and engage in introspection to gain a deeper understanding of ourselves and the world.
By immersing ourselves in Montaigne’s works, we are encouraged to embrace our unique individuality, question established truths, and strive for personal growth and self-awareness. His insights remain a timeless guide for navigating the complexities of modern life, fostering a deeper connection with ourselves and the world around us.
