We sometimes learn more from the sight of evil than from an example of good; and it is well to accustom ourselves to profit by the evil which is so common, while that which is good is so rare.

We must kill them in war, just because they live beyond the river. If they lived on this side, we would be called murderers.

The multitude which does not reduce itself to unity is confusion.

Reason commands us far more imperiously than a master; for in disobeying the one we are unfortunate, and in disobeying the other we are fools.

Must we kill to prevent there being any wicked? This is to make both parties wicked instead of one.

Don't try to add more years to your life. Better add more life to your years.

Montaigne is wrong in declaring that custom ought to be followed simply because it is custom, and not because it is reasonable or just.