All the world knows me in my book, and my book in me.
Michel De MontaigneRead
For truth itself does not have the privilege to be employed at any time and in every way; its use, noble as it is, has its circumscriptions and limits.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Truth has its rightful place and should not be misused or applied carelessly.
This quote by Michel De Montaigne reflects on the nature of truth and its application in life. It suggests that while truth is noble and important, it is not something that can be wielded without consideration; it has its boundaries and contexts in which it is appropriate or effective. Thus, Montaigne warns against the misuse or overextension of truth beyond its intended scope.
Themes
TruthLimitsNobilityContextPhilosophy
In practice
Example use cases
During a debate about ethics, this quote can remind participants to consider the complex nature of truth.
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.
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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.
Michel De MontaigneRead
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