And one might therefore say of me that in this book I have only made up a bunch of other people's flowers, and that of my own I have only provided the string that ties them together.
Michel de MontaigneWisdom is a solid and entire building, of which every piece keeps its place and bears its mark.
Michel de MontaigneHow many worthy men have we known to survive their own reputation, who have seen and suffered the honor and glory most justly acquired in their youth, extinguished in their own presence?
Michel de MontaigneEvery other knowledge is harmful to him who does not have knowledge of goodness.
Michel de MontaigneTo speak less of oneself than what one really is, is folly, not modesty; and to take that for current pay which is under a man's value, is pusillanimity and cowardice.
Michel de MontaigneThe height and value of true virtue consists in the facility, utility, and pleasure of its exercise; so far from difficulty, that boys, as well as men, and the innocent as well as the subtle, may make it their own; and it is by order and good conduct, and not by force, that it is to be acquired.
Michel de Montaigne