He who is not strong in memory should not meddle with lying. Montaigne
A wise man sees as much as he ought, not as much as he can. Montaigne
There is nothing useless in nature; not even uselessness itself. Montaigne
My life has been full of terrible misfortunes most of which never happened. Montaigne
Fashion is the science of appearances, and it inspires one with the desire to seem rather than to be. Montaigne
The most profound joy has more of gravity than of gaiety in it. Montaigne
A man must keep a little back shop where he can be himself without reserve. In solitude alone can he know true freedom. Montaigne
The clearest sign of wisdom is continued cheerfulness. Montaigne
I write to keep from going mad from the contradictions I find among mankind – and to work some of those contradictions out for myself. Montaigne
There is nothing more notable in Socrates than that he found time, when he was an old man, to learn music and dancing, and thought it time well spent. Montaigne
Confidence in the goodness of another is good proof of one’s own goodness. Montaigne
No one is exempt from talking nonsense; the mistake is to do it solemnly. Montaigne
Obstinacy is the sister of constancy, at least in vigour and stability. Montaigne
Truly, it is not want, but rather abundance, that breeds avarice. Montaigne
I am disgusted with innovation, in whatever guise, and with reason, for I have seen very harmful effects of it. Montaigne
There is a certain amount of purpose, acquiescence, and satisfaction in nursing one’s melancholy. Montaigne
Speech belongs half to the speaker, half to the listener. The latter must prepare to receive it according to the motion it takes. Montaigne
Not being able to control events, I control myself; and I adapt myself to them, if they do not adapt themselves to me. Montaigne
We are nothing but ceremony; ceremony carries us away, and we leave the substance of things; we hang on to the branches and abandon the trunk and body. Montaigne
Fame and tranquillity can never be bedfellows. Montaigne
Repentance is but a denying of our will, and an opposition of our fantasies. Montaigne