All the world knows me in my book, and my book in me.
Michel De MontaigneRead
The only thing certain is nothing is certain.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote expresses the idea that uncertainty is a fundamental aspect of life.
Michel De Montaigne's quote highlights the nature of reality, suggesting that absolute certainty is an illusion. In our constantly changing world, the only true certainty we can rely on is the existence of uncertainty itself, prompting us to embrace flexibility and adaptability in our thoughts and actions.
Themes
UncertaintyLifePhilosophyTruthKnowledge
In practice
Example use cases
In a discussion about risk management, this quote can emphasize the importance of preparing for the unexpected.
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.
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
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There is no safety in numbers, or in anything else.
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Let us have but one end in view, the welfare of humanity; and let us put aside all selfishness in consideration of language, nationality, or religion.
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Freedom for supporters of the government only, for members of one party only no matter how big its membership may be is no freedom at all. Freedom is always freedom for the man who thinks differently.
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