All the world knows me in my book, and my book in me.
Michel De MontaigneRead
Tis so much to be a king, that he only is so by being so.
Interpretation
True kingship is defined by the essence of being a king, not merely by title or position.
This quote by Michel De Montaigne suggests that the nature of kingship transcends the mere title of 'king'βone must embody the qualities and responsibilities of a king to truly be one. It highlights the importance of authenticity and the inherent attributes that define leadership, rather than the superficial trappings of power.
In practice
This quote can be used in a graduation speech to emphasize the importance of being true to oneself.
All the world knows me in my book, and my book in me.
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.
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.
There is not much less vexation in the government of a private family than in the managing of an entire state.
Those who have compared our life to a dream were right... we were sleeping wake, and waking sleep.
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.
Nobody had noticed, nobody had paid attention, but, as usual, the essential part of the matter had been settled before the story had begun, and by then it was too late.
Childhood lasts all through life. It returns to animate broad sections of adult life... Poets will help us to find this living childhood within us, this permanent, durable immobile world.
They tell him that there is no why, since the moment simply is and since all of them are trapped in the moment, like bugs in amber.
If I be worthy, I live for my God to teach the heathen, even though they may despise me.
I mean, honestly, we have to be clear that the life for many Afghan women is not that much different than it was a hundred years ago, 200 years ago. The country has lived with so much violence and conflict that many people, men and women, just want it to be over.
We are in an age of religious complexity. The simplicity which is in Christ is rarely found among us. In its stead are programs, methods, organizations, and a world of nervous activities which occupy time and attention but can never satisfy the longing of the heart.
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