All the world knows me in my book, and my book in me.
Michel De MontaigneRead
A hair shirt does not always render those chaste who wear it.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Wearing symbols of self-discipline does not guarantee true virtue or purity.
This quote suggests that external expressions of morality or discipline, such as self-imposed hardships, do not necessarily reflect a person's true character or inner purity. It emphasizes that genuine chaste behavior stems from internal conviction rather than mere outward appearances or sufferings.
Themes
VirtueChastitySelf-DisciplineAppearanceCharacter
In practice
Example use cases
In a discussion about personal growth, use this quote to highlight the importance of genuine inner change rather than superficial changes.
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.
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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.
Michel De MontaigneRead
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