The essays of the French Renaissance philosopher Michel de Montaigne (1533-1592) are a veritable treasure trove of practical guidance, advice, and wisdom relevant to living a good life. Here are six of my favourite insights... 🧵
1/ Montaigne uses this classic Stoic idea to remind us that if we try to avoid pain then we usually just add to it through unnecessary anxiety. He advises us that “we must learn to suffer what we cannot avoid.”
2 / It’s easy to get frustrated with people who don’t share our perspective on the world, but you’ll never find anyone who agrees with you completely. Nobody has all the answers and so Montaigne encourages us to remain open-minded and tolerant of differing viewpoints.
3/ Montaigne extolled the virtues of a life characterized by mediocrity and ordinariness. He believed that embracing moderation and conforming to the common experiences of humanity allowed individuals to connect more deeply with the essence of what it truly means to be human.
4/ With characteristic wit, Montaigne reminds us of our shared humanity no matter one’s station in life. “On the highest throne in the world,” he says, “we are seated, still, upon our arses.”
5/ More often than not our worrying about what might happen to us in the future causes us more suffering than the reality of our circumstances. Moreover, it’s perfectly possible to find happiness and purpose even if our lives feel far from perfect.
6/ There's nothing quite like the solace found in books. Connecting through the written across time and space with others who share our common humanity, hopes, fears, and joys can be a powerful balm for loneliness and existential worry.
*connecting through the written word!