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Michel de Montaigne’s key lesson on the art of living
The biographies of great individuals teach us many lessons, but I am always seeking the common thread between them. In the case of Michel de Montaigne (1533-1592), it requires some work to figure out the key lesson. Montaigne’s essay titled “On the inequality amongst us” is conveying the key lesson from his life, namely, that…
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Michel de Montaigne’s art of living quietly
In our century, the protection of privacy has acquired crucial importance. I cannot even count the number of celebrities that have seen their life disrupted because a journalist has intruded in their privacy. Michel de Montaigne (1533-1592) was aware of the dangers associated with popularity. He also knew the financial advantages that one can draw…
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Michel de Montaigne and the art of living
When I analyse the biography of great individuals, I always focus on one question: What did they do to become great? My objective is to figure out exactly what they did differently than everybody else. The difference is what counts. Michel de Montaigne (1533-1592) made it particularly clear that he wanted to differentiate himself from…
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Tradition versus change in Michel de Montaigne
I view Michel de Montaigne (1533-1592) as one of the most realistic philosophers in history. He was remarkably talented at analysing problems, reviewing possible solutions, discarding the unworkable, and selecting the most promising amongst the rest. Let me underline the step “discarding the unworkable.” It is something that most philosophers forget to do. They will…
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Michel de Montaigne’s biography: literary hints and clues
In literary criticism, there is a current that regards all works of literature as autobiographical, even when the author had no intention of speaking about his own life and circumstances. The underlying idea is that, when authors write, they cannot avoid revealing their views and personal history, their traumas and pressing concerns. Consciously or unconsciously,…
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Michel de Montaigne’s biography (5 of 5): joy until the last minute
Some people are so afraid of dying that they waste hundreds of hours trying to protect themselves against the normal risks of life. They fear catching the flu, falling from their bicycle, or eating too much meat; as a result, they restrain their lifestyle in the vain hope of living a little bit longer. Michel…
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Michel de Montaigne’s biography (4 of 5): the pinnacle years
When things are falling apart and everything seems lost, we might just as well enjoy ourselves. Once we realize that our days are counted, there is little reason for stress. Every day that is left can deliver exhilaration and happiness On his fifty-second birthday, Michel de Montaigne (1533-1592) must have come to that conclusion. He…
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Michel de Montaigne’s biography (3 of 5): dealing with chronic illness
People always show their true colours in times of crisis. We can then recognize our true friends, true priorities, and the best and worst parts of our own character. Hardship makes the hero come forth, while the cowards sink into misery. Michel de Montaigne (1533-1592) faced the hardest period in his life precisely when he…
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Michel de Montaigne’s biography (2 of 5): his momentous decision
The most intriguing aspect in the biography of Michel de Montaigne (1533-1592) is his decision, when he was in his late thirties, to abandon a promising career in law and retire to live in the countryside. I have an explanation for Montaigne’s unusual decision: His daily work at the Bordeaux Parliament had made him acutely…
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Michel de Montaigne’s biography (1 of 5): his early years
I consider the French essayist Michel de Montaigne (1533-1592) one of the most underrated philosophers in history. He is not on the same level as Aristotle, Plato and Socrates, but when it comes to personal development, he is one of the best. Montaigne was born in southern France within a family that belonged to the…
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