All the world knows me in my book, and my book in me.
Michel De MontaigneRead
Man is certainly crazy. He could not make a mite, and he makes gods by the dozen.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote reflects on the irrationality of human nature, suggesting that while man struggles with simple creations, he has the audacity to invent complex deities.
Michel De Montaigne's quote highlights the paradox of human existence, where individuals often overreach their abilities and create elaborate belief systems and deities from their imaginations, despite being unable to accomplish even the simplest of tasks. It serves as a commentary on the absurdity and craziness of humanity in its quest for understanding and meaning, questioning the foundations of belief and the nature of human creativity and insanity.
Themes
Human NatureBeliefIrrationalityCreationGods
In practice
Example use cases
In a discussion about the complexities of belief systems during a philosophy class.
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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