QuoteProject
Teach him a certain refinement in sorting out and selecting his arguments, with an affection for relevance and so for brevity. Above all let him be taught to throw down his arms and surrender to truth as soon as he perceives it, whether the truth is born at his rival's doing or within himself from some change in his ideas.
Michel De Montaigne
ShareWTF𝕏

Interpretation

What this quote means

This quote emphasizes the importance of embracing truth, regardless of its source, and valuing concise, relevant arguments.

Montaigne suggests that one should cultivate the ability to discern quality arguments while maintaining an affection for truth and brevity. The essence of wisdom lies in the readiness to acknowledge and accept truths, even when they come from opponents or challenge one's own beliefs, highlighting the importance of intellectual humility and openness to change.

Themes

TruthWisdomArgumentsBrevityIntellectual Humility

In practice

Example use cases

In a debate about climate change, one might quote this to emphasize the need for honesty and openness to new information.

More from Michel De Montaigne

All the world knows me in my book, and my book in me.
Michel De MontaigneRead
All 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

Every day is lost in which we do not learn something useful. Man has no nobler or more valuable possession than time.
Thomas JeffersonRead
Would you persuade, speak of interest, not of reason.
Benjamin FranklinRead
Humility, as we all know, is one of those virtues that is never gained by seeking it. The more we pursue it the more distant it becomes. To think we have it is sure evidence that we don't.
Richard J. FosterRead
We tend to think being hard on ourselves will make us strong. But it is cherishing ourselves that gives us strength
Julia CameronRead
The greatest minds, as they are capable of the highest excellencies, are open likewise to the greatest aberrations; and those who travel very slowly may yet make far greater progress, provided they keep always to the straight road, than those who, while they run, forsake it.
Rene DescartesRead
If you had felt yourself sufficient, it would have been a proof that you were not.
C. S. LewisRead

A little wisdom, now and then

Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.