All the world knows me in my book, and my book in me.
Michel De MontaigneRead
We judge a horse not only by its pace on a racecourse, but also by its walk, nay, when resting in its stable.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote emphasizes the importance of evaluating an individual or situation comprehensively, not just based on immediate performance.
Michel De Montaigne's quote suggests that a thorough assessment requires looking beyond superficial appearances or actions. Just as a horse's true value is determined not only by its speed during a race but also by its behavior and condition when at rest, we should apply the same depth of understanding in our judgments of people or situations, recognizing that their character is reflected in various contexts.
Themes
JudgmentCharacterEvaluationPerspective
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be shared in discussions about leadership, emphasizing the need for deeper evaluation of team members.
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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