All the world knows me in my book, and my book in me.
Michel De MontaigneRead
There is perhaps no more obvious vanity than to write of it so vainly.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote reflects on the self-referential nature of writing about vanity and the futility that comes with it.
Michel De Montaigne's quote points out the paradox of attempting to write about vanity; it highlights the absurdity and futility of engaging in such a task. The essence of the statement suggests that writing about one's own vanity is an ironic act, as it reveals the inherent vanity in the act itself, making the endeavor seemingly pointless or hypocritical.
Themes
VanityWritingSelf-AwarenessIronyParadox
In practice
Example use cases
A literature professor may reference this quote when discussing the themes of self-reflection in Montaigne's essays.
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
Similar quotes
Awake, my St. John! leave all meaner things To low ambition and the pride of kings. Let us (since life can little more supply Than just to look about us, and to die) Expatiate free o'er all this scene of man; A mighty maze! but not without a plan.
Alexander PopeRead
I have outlasted all desire, My dreams and I have grown apart; My grief alone is left entire, The gleamings of an empty heart. The storms of ruthless dispensation Have struck my flowery garland numb, I live in lonely desolation And wonder when my end will come. Thus on a naked tree-limb, blasted By tardy winter's whistling chill, A single leaf which has outlasted Its season will be trembling still.
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If we lived in a state where virtue was profitable, common sense would make us saintly. But since we see that avarice, anger, pride and stupidity commonly profit far beyond charity, modesty, justice and thought, perhaps we must stand fast a little, even at the risk of being heroes.
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Misunderstandings and neglect occasion more mischief in the world than malice and wickedness.
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Keep in mind that the true measure of an individual is how he treats a person who can do him absolutely no good.
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Let us fight the battle-retreat from the things that attract us and rouse ourselves to meet the things that actually attack us.
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