How to Live

Sarah Bakewell

Montaigne’s early life appeared privileged and successful, yet he was deeply troubled by an inner preoccupation with mortality, which intensified as he witnessed the deaths of loved ones. A near-fatal horseback accident around the age of 36 profoundly altered his perspective, teaching him that death is not to be feared and inspiring him to embrace life with greater lightness. This revelation eventually led him to retire from politics and law, retreating to his estate to pursue a life of contemplation. However, his envisioned tranquility gave way to restless melancholy, which he transformed into a creative endeavor by documenting his thoughts. Drawing inspiration from Stoic philosophy, Montaigne began writing his *Essays* in 1572, exploring the world and himself with remarkable honesty and skepticism. Despite viewing himself as unremarkable, he believed in the value of embracing ordinariness to connect with others, rejecting societal norms that reserved self-reflection for the accomplished. His essays captured the fluidity of thought, blending personal experiences, philosophical musings, and diverse perspectives, which he preserved for readers to follow. This groundbreaking approach not only earned him literary fame during his lifetime but also left an enduring legacy that influenced some of history’s greatest thinkers and writers.

11 min

6 Bite

Einblick

Worum geht es?

Montaigne’s *Essays* revolutionized the art of self-expression, blending personal reflection with philosophical inquiry in a way that was unprecedented for his time. Born into nobility, Montaigne used his ordinary experiences and imperfections as a lens to explore universal human truths, challenging societal norms that reserved introspection for the accomplished. His writing meanders through diverse topics, capturing the fluidity of thought and embracing contradictions, all while inviting readers to join him on a journey of self-discovery. Through his candid, skeptical, and deeply human approach, Montaigne’s work continues to inspire and provoke readers centuries after its creation.

Buchzusammenfassung

Sarah Bakewell is a writer from Bournemouth, England. She spent her childhood traveling and living in Australia with her parents, before eventually returning to the UK. There, she studied philosophy at the University of Essex and worked as a cataloger and curator of early printed books at London’s Wellcome Library for the History of Medicine. She is the author of four books including The Smart, The English Dane and How To Live: A Life of Montaigne.

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Alle Bissen

6 Bites

Riding Through Death: Montaigne's Awakening

Montaigne’s Journey: Embracing Life Through Mortality

Montaigne’s Journey: Embracing Life Through Reflection

Embracing Mediocrity: Montaigne’s Radical Self-Reflection

Montaigne’s Art of Embracing Complexity

Montaigne: The Accidental Pioneer of Self-Expression

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