The Essays of Michel de Montaigne Quotes

“philosophy . . . people are much to blame to represent it to children for a thing of so difficult access, and with such a frowning, grim, and formidable aspect. Who is it that has disguised it thus, with this false, pale, and ghostly countenance?...”

― Michel de Montaigne, The Essays of Michel de Montaigne

topic:philosophyjoy

“Let every one have his own way, and we shall be always at peace.”

― Michel de Montaigne, The Essays of Michel de Montaigne

topic:peaceway

“Glory and curiosity are the scourges of the soul; the last prompts us to thrust our noses into everything, the other forbids us to leave anything doubtful and undecided.”

― Michel de Montaigne, The Essays of Michel de Montaigne

topic:doubt

“A father is very miserable who has no other hold on his children's affection than the need they have of his assistance”

― Michel de Montaigne, The Essays of Michel de Montaigne

topic:need

“I do myself a greater injury in lying than I do him of whom I tell a lie.”

― Michel de Montaigne, The Essays of Michel de Montaigne

topic:lie

“The public weal requires that men should betray, and lie, and massacre; let us leave this commission to men who are more obedient and more supple.”

― Michel de Montaigne, The Essays of Michel de Montaigne

topic:lieobedience

“And there never were, in the world, two opinions alike, no more than two hairs, or two grains: their most universal quality is diversity.”

― Michel de Montaigne, The Essays of Michel de Montaigne

topic:opinion

“In truth, it is not want, but rather abundance, that creates avarice.”

― Michel de Montaigne, The Essays of Michel de Montaigne

topic:want