All the world knows me in my book, and my book in me.
Michel De MontaigneRead
Greatness of soul consists not so much in soaring high and in pressing forward, as in knowing how to adapt and limit oneself.
Interpretation
What this quote means
True greatness is found in humility and adaptability rather than in ambition alone.
This quote by Michel De Montaigne emphasizes that true greatness is not solely about achieving high aspirations or constantly pushing forward; instead, it encompasses the wisdom to adapt to one's circumstances and to recognize the value of self-restraint. It suggests that possessing a 'great soul' involves understanding one's limitations and being able to navigate life's challenges with grace and flexibility.
Themes
GreatnessAdaptationHumilityWisdomSelf-Restraint
In practice
Example use cases
During a leadership seminar, one might quote Montaigne to highlight the importance of adaptability in effective leadership.
More from Michel De Montaigne
All quotes βAll 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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