Montaigne: Selected Essays

Montaigne writes, “I do not teach, I recount” (187). Montaigne insists he is not writing about himself to impress, but rather to provide useful information about a flawed but otherwise typical individual: “I am setting forth a lowly, undistinguished life—no matter” (186). It is a story of someone who changes constantly, swinging back and forth—as does everything in life—from one trait to another. He records himself as faithfully and thoroughly as possible, taking heart that “custom grants to this age greater freedom to babble on, and indiscretion to talk about oneself” (187).

Montaigne rarely repents his actions but forgives himself for being human. He also does not repent failures that arise from bad luck. He takes pleasure in the knowledge that his intentions are good: “[I]f anyone could see right into my soul, he would still not find me guilty either of the affliction or ruin of anyone, or revenge, or hatred, or public offense against the laws, or rebellion and unrest, or going back on my word” (188).

To seek approval from others for his goodness, however, is foolish: “[I]n an age as corrupt and ignorant as ours is, especially, people’s good esteem is an insult” (188).