Michel de Montaigne

Showing quotations 1 to 20 of 20 total A man of understanding has lost nothing, if he has himself. Michel de MontaigneDon't discuss yourself, for you are bound to lose; if you belittle yourself, you are believed; if you praise yourself, you are disbelieved. Michel de MontaigneEach man calls barbarism what is not his own practice for indeed it seems we have no other test of truth and reason that the example and pattern of the opinions and customs of the country we live in. Michel de MontaigneEven on the most exalted throne in the world we are only sitting on our own bottom. Michel de MontaigneFashion is the science of appearances, and it inspires one with the desire to seem rather than to be. Michel de MontaigneHe who establishes his argument by noise and command, shows that his reason is weak. Michel de MontaigneHe who is not very strong in memory should not meddle with lying. Michel de Montaigne I care not so much what I am to others as what I am to myself. Michel de MontaigneI prefer the company of peasants because they have not been educated sufficiently to reason incorrectly. Michel de Montaigne No man is exempt from saying silly things; the mischief is to say them deliberately. Michel de MontaigneNot being able to govern events, I govern myself. Michel de MontaigneNothing fixes a thing so intensely in the memory as the wish to forget it. Michel de Montaigne So it is with minds. Unless you keep them busy with some definite subject that will bridle and control them, they throw themselves in disorder hither and yon in the vague field of imagination... And there is no mad or idle fancy that they do not bring forth in the agitation. Michel de MontaigneThe art of dining well is no slight art, the pleasure not a slight pleasure. Michel de Montaigne The greatest thing in the world is to know how to belong to oneself. Michel de MontaigneThe most profound joy has more of gravity than of gaiety in it. Michel de Montaigne There are some defeats more triumphant than victories. Michel de Montaigne When I am attacked by gloomy thoughts, nothing helps me so much as running to my books. They quickly absorb me and banish the clouds from my mind. Michel de Montaigne Even on the highest throne in the world, we are still sitting on our ass. Michel de Montaigne, 'De l'experience,' 1580-88I will follow the right side even to the fire, but excluding the fire if I can. Michel de Montaigne, 'De l'utile et de l'honnete,' 1580-88

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