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The only good histories are those that have been written by the persons themselves who commanded in the affairs whereof they write.

Michel de Montaigne

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Michel de Montaigne
Age: 59 †
Born: 1533
Born: February 28
Died: 1592
Died: September 13
Autobiographer
Essayist
French Moralist
Jurist
Philosopher
Poet Lawyer
Politician
Translator
Writer
Michel Eyquem de Montaigne
Miquèu Eiquèm de Montanha
Miqueu Eiquem de Montanha
Written
Write
Persons
Writing
Whereof
Good
Commanded
Histories
Affairs
Affair

More quotes by Michel de Montaigne

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Oh, what a valiant faculty is hope, that in a mortal subject, and in a moment, makes nothing of usurping infinity, immensity, eternity, and of supplying its masters indigence, at its pleasure, with all things he can imagine or desire!
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It is a human tendency to measure truth and error by our capacity.
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If these Essays were worthy of being judged, it might fall out, in my opinion, that they would not find much favour, either with common and vulgar minds, or with uncommon and eminent ones: the former would not find enough in them, the latter would find too much they might manage to live somewhere in the middle region.
Michel de Montaigne
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A man may be humble through vainglory.
Michel de Montaigne
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I have never seen a greater monster or miracle in the world than myself.
Michel de Montaigne
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Wisdom has its excesses, and has no less need of moderation than folly.
Michel de Montaigne
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Examples teach us that in military affairs, and all others of a like nature, study is apt to enervate and relax the courage of man, rather than to give strength and energy to the mind.
Michel de Montaigne
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One should be ever booted and spurred and ready to depart.
Michel de Montaigne
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Age imprints more wrinkles in the mind than it does on the face.
Michel de Montaigne
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Example is a bright looking-glass, universal and for all shapes to look into.
Michel de Montaigne
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The most universal quality is diversity.
Michel de Montaigne
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If I am to serve as an instrument of deceit, at least let it be with a clear conscience. I do not want to be considered either so affectionate or so loyal a servant as to be found fit to betray anyone.
Michel de Montaigne
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There is little less trouble in governing a private family than a whole kingdom.
Michel de Montaigne
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It is fear that I stand most in fear of, in sharpness it exceeds every other feeling.
Michel de Montaigne
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[Marriage] happens as with cages: the birds without despair to get in, and those within despair of getting out.
Michel de Montaigne
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No two men ever judged alike of the same thing, and it is impossible to find two opinions exactly similar, not only in different men but in the same men at different times.
Michel de Montaigne
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~The value of life lies not in the length of days, but in the use we make of them ~
Michel de Montaigne
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We need to interpret interpretations more than to interpret things.
Michel de Montaigne
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That is why Bias jested with those who were going through the perils of a great storm with him and calling on the gods for help: Shut up, he said, so that they do not realize that you are here with me.
Michel de Montaigne
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We owe subjection and obedience to all our kings, whether good or bad, alike, for that has respect unto their office but as to esteem and affection, these are only due to their virtue.
Michel de Montaigne