Montaigne

Every line we carry

Each one links to its source, what it means, and the shirt in any of our looks.

1. The greatest thing in the world is knowing how to belong to yourself.

   Montaigne is not against friends or family, only against being glued to them. You need a self that does not dissolve into other people's needs. Learn to stand on your own inside.

   Essays 1.39 (Of Solitude), our translation from the French

2. Keep a back room of your own.

   Have a wife, children and goods, Montaigne says, but not so tied to them that your happiness depends on them. Keep a private room in the mind where you are free. Go there daily.

   Essays 1.39 (Of Solitude), our translation from the French

3. Because it was him. Because it was me.

   Asked why he loved his friend La Boétie, Montaigne could give no reason but this. The deepest bonds cannot be explained, only lived. Treasure the friendships you cannot justify.

   Essays 1.28 (Of Friendship), our translation from the French

4. Did nothing today? What, haven't you lived?

   Montaigne calls us great fools for thinking a day without achievements was wasted. Living well is the most basic and the most noble of our jobs. Give yourself credit for the ordinary day well lived.

   Essays 3.13 (Of Experience), our translation from the French

5. On the highest throne in the world, we still sit on our own backside.

   Climb on stilts and you still walk on your own legs. Montaigne uses blunt humor to puncture pride. However high you rise, you remain human.

   Essays 3.13 (Of Experience), our translation from the French

6. When I dance, I dance. When I sleep, I sleep.

   Montaigne wants to be fully present in whatever he does. Even on a solitary walk, he brings his wandering thoughts back to the garden. Do one thing at a time and give it all of you.

   Essays 3.13 (Of Experience), our translation from the French

7. Fear suffering and you already suffer what you fear.

   Montaigne, who suffered from painful kidney stones, refused to stretch the pain out with dread. Fear of an evil is an evil of its own. Feel the trouble when it comes, not before.

   Essays 3.13 (Of Experience), our translation from the French

8. Every person carries the whole shape of the human condition.

   Montaigne justifies writing about his own ordinary life. A plain private life holds as much moral truth as a famous one. Look closely at anyone and you will see everyone.

   Essays 3.2 (Of Repentance), our translation from the French

9. Better a well-made head than a well-filled one.

   Montaigne wanted a tutor who valued judgment over stored facts. Knowing how to think beats knowing a lot. Train your judgment, not just your memory.

   Essays 1.26 (Of the Education of Children), our translation from the French

10. I know what I'm running from, not what I'm looking for.

    This was Montaigne's honest answer when people asked why he traveled so much. Sometimes leaving is clearer than arriving. It is fine to go before you know exactly where.

    Essays 3.9 (Of Vanity), our translation from the French

11. My trade and my art is living.

    Montaigne defends writing about himself: architects speak of buildings, and his subject is life. Living well is a craft that can be studied and improved. Practice it like one.

    Essays 2.6 (Of Practice), our translation from the French

12. Lend yourself to others. Give yourself only to yourself.

    Montaigne served as mayor and took the job seriously without letting it own him. Help freely, but keep possession of yourself. Commitment does not require surrender.

    Essays 3.10 (Of Managing the Will), our translation from the French

13. What do I know?

    Montaigne had this question engraved on a medal with a balanced scale. It is the motto of honest doubt. Hold your opinions with an open hand.

    Essays 2.12 (Apology for Raymond Sebond), our translation from the French