The Complete Essays
by Michel de Montaigne, translated by M. A. Screech
The founding text of the personal essay: Montaigne on fear, friendship, experience, cannibals, thumbs, death and himself. Vast, digressive and endlessly rewarding.
Read it if…
you want a lifelong companion rather than a quick read.
See the book →
Skip it if…
you want structure; it has none.
Try instead: The Examined Life →
Three things you will actually use
- Know thyself, honestly.
- Doubt gently.
- Experience is the teacher.
Do this first
Read 'Of Experience' first, then wander.
Our verdict
The original essays.
See the book →
Compare with other Character books
Philosophy for Life and Other Dangerous Situations
Jules Evans · Character
Ancient schools, applied.
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