All the world knows me in my book, and my book in me.
Michel De MontaigneRead
A straight oar looks bent in the water. It matters not merely that we see a thing, but how we see it.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote suggests that our perception can distort reality, emphasizing the importance of perspective in understanding what we see.
Michel De Montaigne's quote reflects on the idea that our perceptions are not always accurate representations of reality. Just as a straight oar appears bent when submerged in water, our interpretations and judgments can be influenced by our viewpoint and experiences. This implies that it's crucial to consider how we perceive things, as our understanding may change based on perspective.
Themes
PerceptionRealityPerspectiveUnderstandingInterpretation
In practice
Example use cases
In a discussion about subjective experiences, one might say, 'As Montaigne said, a straight oar looks bent in the water, highlighting how our perceptions can differ.'
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.
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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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