Michel de Montaigne

Principles are our summary of their public statements.

• Accept human fallibility as universal

  Leadership

  He suggests that no one is perfectly law-abiding or virtuous, and recognizing this common frailty helps in managing oneself and others.

  3 more supporting quotes are in the member records.

  Source Wikiquote: Michel de Montaigne  (opens in a new tab)

• Focus on internal integrity

  Leadership

  A leader should focus on steering their course correctly regardless of whether external forces bring success or destruction.

  Supporting quotes

  • “Arts and sciences are not cast in a mould, but are formed and perfected by degrees, by often handling and polishing, as bears leisurely lick their cubs into form.”

  2 more supporting quotes are in the member records.

• Fortify the mind with reason

  Resilience

  One should actively use reasoning every day to harden their mind against sudden shocks and violent passions.

  3 more supporting quotes are in the member records.

  Source Essays of Michel de Montaigne — Volume 02  (opens in a new tab)

• Leverage External Agitation

  Productivity

  A mind that flags when left alone can find vigor and grace through unexpected occasions, company, or external challenges.

  Supporting quotes

  • “the solicitude of doing well, and a certain striving and contending of a mind too far strained and overbent upon its undertaking, breaks and hinders itself like water”

  2 more supporting quotes are in the member records.

• Observe the Onset of Passions

  Resilience

  By prying into the circumstances of one's passions, a person can see them coming and break their momentum before they become overwhelming.

  Supporting quotes

  • “The most simply to commit one's self to nature is to do it most wisely.”

    “I had rather understand myself well in myself, than in Cicero.”

  1 more supporting quote is in the member records.

• Prioritize the needy over the powerful

  Integrity

  Building relationships with those who need help creates more genuine loyalty and character than chasing those who only offer power.

  Supporting quotes

  • “I am of the opinion that this temperature of my soul has often raised my body from its lapses; this is often depressed; if the other be not brisk and gay, 'tis at least tranquil and at rest.”

  2 more supporting quotes are in the member records.

• Intensify the present moment

  Productivity

  When time is limited, increase the depth and vigor of how you use it rather than rushing through it.

  Supporting quotes

  • “I ponder with myself of content; I do not skim over, but sound it; and I bend my reason, now grown perverse and peevish, to entertain it.”

  2 more supporting quotes are in the member records.

• Integrate mind and body

  Mindset

  Do not treat physical necessities as distractions; engage the soul and mind fully in every necessary action to find true satisfaction.

  Supporting quotes

  • “I ponder with myself of content; I do not skim over, but sound it; and I bend my reason, now grown perverse and peevish, to entertain it.”

  2 more supporting quotes are in the member records.

• Analyze systems over sights

  Learning

  Focus on the rules, institutions, and mechanical devices that regulate public life rather than mere aesthetic attractions.

  Source The journal of Montaigne's travels in Italy by way of Switzerland and Germany in 1580 and 1581, Volume 1 (of 3)  (opens in a new tab)

• Seek educated conversation partners

  Hiring

  Prioritize meeting well-educated individuals who can converse on important topics, even if they belong to groups you generally dislike.

  Source The journal of Montaigne's travels in Italy by way of Switzerland and Germany in 1580 and 1581, Volume 1 (of 3)  (opens in a new tab)

• Prioritize accessibility and convenience

  Product

  Functional design, such as galleries that prevent passing through other rooms, adds more value to a customer's experience than mere luxury.

  3 more supporting quotes are in the member records.

  Source The journal of Montaigne's travels in Italy by way of Switzerland and Germany in 1580 and 1581, Volume 1 (of 3)  (opens in a new tab)

• Competition strengthens internal unity

  Strategy

  The presence of an opposing force or competitor can serve to solidify a group's identity and commitment to its core values.

  Supporting quotes

  • “those who have remained Catholics are confirmed in their faith by the fact that they have to reckon on an opposition.”

  2 more supporting quotes are in the member records.

• Prioritize movement over static rest

  Resilience

  When facing physical or mental discomfort, continuing to move or work can sometimes provide more relief than staying still.

  2 more supporting quotes are in the member records.

  Source The journal of Montaigne's travels in Italy by way of Switzerland and Germany in 1580 and 1581, Volume 1 (of 3)  (opens in a new tab)

• Adapt to your weaknesses

  Management

  If a natural trait like poor memory limits you, develop specific systems, like using titles instead of names, to maintain operational efficiency.

  Source The journal of Montaigne's travels in Italy by way of Switzerland and Germany in 1580 and 1581, Volume 1 (of 3)  (opens in a new tab)