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