Essays: 6 key ideas
The core ideas of Essays, each in under a minute, written in our own words. Want the full depth? Get the book.
- IDEA 1 OF 6
What do I know?
Montaigne's motto expresses honest doubt.
Admitting uncertainty keeps the mind open and curious.
- IDEA 2 OF 6
Study yourself
He wrote about his own moods, habits and flaws.
Observing yourself honestly reveals much about human nature.
- IDEA 3 OF 6
Learning to die
Thinking about death in advance strips it of its terror and frees you to live.
- IDEA 4 OF 6
Custom isn't nature
What seems natural is often just habit.
Other cultures show different, equally sensible ways of living.
- IDEA 5 OF 6
Moderation
Avoid extremes in pleasure and in harshness toward yourself.
Live gently and sensibly.
- IDEA 6 OF 6
Friendship
True friendship is two souls blending.
Asked why he loved his friend, Montaigne said only: because it was he, because it was I.
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