The Montaigne Project: Essays Through A Modern Lens

My journey with Montaigne began with a simple Audible credit and grew into a passion project of personal discovery and interpretation.

Why Montaigne?

Michel de Montaigne’s essays, written in the 16th century, continue to resonate with surprising relevance today. What started as a “get the most for my money” Audible purchase evolved into a deep appreciation for his timeless wisdom.

After years of having the audiobook sit untouched, I finally gave Montaigne the attention he deserved. But I quickly realized that audio alone wasn’t enough to truly absorb his complex ideas.

My Approach

For each essay, I follow a consistent framework of questions, yet the answers are uniquely different every time. This structure helps me unpack Montaigne’s thoughts while adding my personal reflections.

At the end of each analysis, I ask: “What am I missing? How does this apply to our modern world?” This bridges the 16th century to our contemporary challenges in technology, relationships, education, and communication.

Montaigne – Chapter 23 – Various events form the same counsel

The Complete Essays of Montaigne What philosophical questions or problems does the author address? In this chapter, Montaigne addresses several key philosophical questions: The nature of trust and suspicion in leadership - examining whether leaders should be naturally...

Montaigne – Chapter 24 – OF Pedantry

Montaigne addresses several key philosophical questions and problems in this text: The relationship between education and virtue - questioning whether formal academic learning actually leads to moral development and good character. The purpose and value of education -...

Montaigne – Chapter 26 – That It Is Folly To Measure Truth And Error By Our Own Capacity

CHAPTER XXVI — FOLLY TO MEASURE TRUTH AND ERROR BY OUR OWN CAPACITY Read Essay - Chapter 26 My Take - An Analysis of Montaigne's Essay on Truth and Error Montaigne's essay "That It Is Folly to Measure Truth and Error by Our Own Capacity" stands as a masterful...

Montaigne – Chapter 27 – Of Friendship

What philosophical questions or problems does the author address? Montaigne's friendship essay addresses several fundamental philosophical questions about the nature and essence of true friendship. The primary philosophical problem he explores is what constitutes...

Montaigne – Chapter 29 – Of Moderation

What philosophical questions or problems does Montaigne address? In this chapter, Montaigne addresses several key philosophical questions: The nature and limits of moderation: He explores whether virtues can become vices when pursued too extremely The relationship...

Montaigne – Chapter 25 – Of the Education of Children

Introduction and Foundational Concepts What is Montaigne's theory of education? Montaigne's educational theory centered on developing judgment and practical wisdom rather than mere accumulation of facts. His core principles emphasized individualized instruction...

Montaigne – CHAPTER 30——OF CANNIBALS (& Podcast)

A Modern Reflection on Montaigne's "Of Cannibals" In our era of instant digital communication and global connectivity, Michel de Montaigne's "Of Cannibals" resonates with surprising relevance. Written in the 16th century, this essay's...

Montaigne – CHAPTER 31——Hazarding an Opinion on God’s Plans Demands Caution

Understanding Divine Will and Human Interpretation in Montaigne's Essays The main theme of this essay is the danger and folly of humans attempting to interpret or understand divine will and providence through worldly events. The author criticizes those who try to...