All the world knows me in my book, and my book in me.
Michel De MontaigneRead
Who does not in some sort live to others, does not live much to himself.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Living for others is essential to a fulfilling life.
Michel De Montaigne suggests that a meaningful existence is interconnected with the lives of others. If one solely focuses on oneself and neglects the impact on others, they are missing out on the richness and depth that relationships and interactions with others can bring to their own life.
Themes
LifeOthersSelfMeaningRelationships
In practice
Example use cases
During a speech about community service, one might reference this quote to highlight the importance of helping others.
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.
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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.
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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