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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.
Michel De Montaigne
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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 the world knows me in my book, and my book in me.
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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.
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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.
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There is not much less vexation in the government of a private family than in the managing of an entire state.
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Those who have compared our life to a dream were right... we were sleeping wake, and waking sleep.
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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.
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