Michel de Montaigne

Quotes are word for word from the source.

• Iterative improvement

  “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.”

  Our noteDiscussing how knowledge and skills develop over time.

• Incompetent promotion

  “Saturninus said, "Comrades, you have lost a good captain to make him an ill general.”

  Our noteWarning against promoting someone beyond their level of competence.

• True victory

  “Deceit may serve for a need, but he only confesses himself overcome who knows he is neither subdued by policy nor misadventure, but by dint of valour”

  Our noteHe reflects on the ancient Roman ideal of winning through courage rather than trickery.

• Transparency and integrity

  “I shall take care, if I can, that my death discover nothing that my life has not first and openly declared.”

  Our noteMontaigne reflects on the importance of living honestly without hiding secrets for the end.

• The trap of over-effort

  “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”

  Our noteHe explains that trying too hard often leads to mental blockages.

• Self-preservation is commendable

  “all decent and honest ways and means of securing ourselves from harms, are not only permitted, but, moreover, commendable”

  Our noteHe argues that taking precautions is a smart and moral business.

• True resilience

  “the business of constancy chiefly is, bravely to stand to, and stoutly to suffer those inconveniences which are not possibly to be avoided.”

  Our noteHe defines constancy as the ability to endure the inevitable.

• Follow nature

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

  Our noteHe advocates for a simple life guided by natural instincts rather than complex inventions.

• Internal wisdom

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

  Our noteMontaigne values personal experience over the teachings of classical authors.

• Questioning judgment

  “whoever shall call to memory how many and many times he has been mistaken in his own judgment, is he not a great fool if he does not ever after suspect it?”

  Our noteHe suggests that past errors should lead to a healthy skepticism of one's own opinions.

• Avoid over fastidiousness

  “The worst quality in a well-bred man is over-fastidiousness, and an obligation to a certain particular way; and it is particular, if not pliable and supple.”

  Our noteHe warns against becoming too attached to specific ways of doing things.

• Contrast creates value

  “Is there anything in the pain suffered, that one can counterpoise to the pleasure of so sudden an amendment?”

  Our noteMontaigne argues that the intensity of relief makes the preceding pain almost worth enduring.

• Mind over body

  “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.”

  Our noteMontaigne reflects on how a calm mind helps the body recover from physical illness.

• Avoid rigid habits

  “There is indeed this difference, that 'tis better to oblige one's appetite to things that are most easy to be had; but 'tis always vice to oblige one's self.”

  Our noteHe warns against becoming too dependent on specific luxuries or comforts.

• Savoring contentment

  “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.”

  Our noteHe explains his method of consciously focusing on and appreciating moments of peace.

• Strength through opposition

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

  Our noteHow religious competition can actually strengthen the resolve and identity of a group.