Michel de Montaigne
'Each man calls barbarism whatever is not his own practice': our customs are not the measure of everything.
Life
Writer and magistrate from the Périgord (1533-1592), a judge in the Bordeaux parliament and later mayor of the city (1581-1585). Retired to his tower, he wrote the Essays, in which he observes himself in order to question human certainties. His motto 'Que sçay-je?' (What do I know?) expresses a cautious scepticism; he puts customs in perspective and reflects on death, cruelty and friendship (that with La Boétie).
Main works
A series of chapters (books I-II in 1580, book III in 1588) in which he examines customs, reason, death, education and himself.
The diary of his journey through Germany, Switzerland and Italy (1580-1581), published long after his death.
In his own words
« There is nothing barbarous or savage in this nation, from what I have been told, except that each man calls barbarism whatever is not his own practice; for indeed it seems we have no other test of truth and reason than the example and idea of the opinions and customs of the country we live in. »
« To premeditate death is to premeditate freedom. He who has learned how to die has unlearned how to be a slave. »
« This idea is more surely grasped in the form of a question: What do I know? as I bear it as my motto, with a pair of scales. »
« We owe justice to men, and grace and kindness to other creatures that are capable of receiving them. »
Positions
click a row to see the evidenceOur senses and reason deceive us and opinions vary endlessly, hence his motto « Que sais-je ? ».
Montaigne, Essais (1580-1595), II, 12 (Apologie de Raymond Sebond)
Customs and moral judgments differ so much between peoples that we call « barbarism » what is not our usage.
Montaigne, Essais (1580-1595), I, 31 (Des cannibales)
In the Apology he humbles reason before faith, a stance read as sincere fideism or as a mask for scepticism.
Montaigne, Essais (1580-1595), II, 12
The art of living is to "enjoy our being rightfully", following nature; he looks for no goal beyond life itself.
Montaigne, Essais (1580-1595), III, 13 (De l'expérience)