All the world knows me in my book, and my book in me.
Michel De MontaigneRead
That is why Bias jested with those who were going through the perils of a great storm with him and calling on the gods for help: "Shut up," he said, "so that they do not realize that you are here with me.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote reflects on the human tendency to call for divine help in times of trouble while also suggesting a humorous perspective on facing adversity.
In this quote, Montaigne captures a moment of dark humor in the face of a storm, illustrating the folly and absurdity of seeking external help when faced with life's challenges. Bias's jest serves as a reminder to face our trials with courage and perhaps a bit of levity, suggesting that acknowledging our situation openly might be more effective than expressing fear or desperation.
Themes
StormHumorCourageAdversityHelp
In practice
Example use cases
During a motivational speech about resilience, one might quote Montaigne to highlight the importance of maintaining a sense of humor in tough times.
More from Michel De Montaigne
All quotes →All I say is by way of discourse, and nothing by way of advice. I should not speak so boldly if it were my due to be believed.
Michel De MontaigneRead
Pythagoras used to say that life resembles the Olympic Games: a few people strain their muscles to carry off a prize; others bring trinkets to sell to the crowd for gain; and some there are, and not the worst, who seek no other profit than to look at the show and see how and why everything is done; spectators of the life of other people in order to judge and regulate their own.
Michel De MontaigneRead
There is not much less vexation in the government of a private family than in the managing of an entire state.
Michel De MontaigneRead
Those who have compared our life to a dream were right... we were sleeping wake, and waking sleep.
Michel De MontaigneRead
Such as are in immediate fear of a losing their estates, of banishment, or of slavery, live in perpetual anguish, and lose all appetite and repose; whereas such as are actually poor, slaves, or exiles, ofttimes live as merrily as other folk.
Michel De MontaigneRead
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