#661

Mentioned in 31 episodes

Essays

None

Book • 1580

Michel de Montaigne

Montaigne's *Essays* are a seminal work that introduced the essay as a literary form.

The book is a personal and introspective exploration of various subjects, including the human condition, skepticism, and the importance of concrete experience over abstract learning.

Montaigne's skepticism is reflected in the title *Essais*, meaning 'Attempts' or 'Tests', indicating a project of trial and error and tentative exploration.

The essays cover topics such as the education of children, the role of the body, illness, aging, and death.

Montaigne's writing style is characterized by multiple digressions, anecdotes from ancient and contemporary sources, and quotations that reinforce his critical analysis of reality.

Mentioned by

Benjamin Storey

Mentioned in 31 episodes

Mentioned by

Ryan Holiday

to illustrate the cyclical nature of history.

How Ryan Holiday is Preparing For The Next Four Years

Mentioned by

Ryan Holiday

in the context of Stoic philosophy and stress management; highlights Montaigne's works as a source of peace and relaxation.

Beat the Sunday Scaries | 12 Proven Stoic Strategies For Stress Relief

Mentioned by

Ryan Holiday

in relation to commonplace books.

Get Over This Bogus Notion | How To Journal Like A Stoic Philosopher

Mentioned by

David Senra

in comparison to Peter Bevelin's writing style.

#202 A Few Lessons From Warren Buffett

Mentioned by

Jeffrey Rosen

as a source of wisdom for the Founding Fathers on philosophy and ethics.

Books, Routines, and Habits: The Founders' Guide to Self-Improvement

Mentioned by

Niall Ferguson

in comparison to A.J.P. Taylor's prose style.

#634: Niall Ferguson, Historian — The Coming Cold War II, Visible and Invisible Geopolitics, Why Even Atheists Should Study Religion, Masters of Paradox, Fatherhood, Fear, and More

Mentioned by

Ryan Holiday

and

Derren Brown

in the context of Stoic philosophy and its influence.

Master Illusionist Derren Brown: “ My Job Is To Control The Uncontrollable"

Mentioned by

Tyler Cowen

in the context of discussing Shakespeare's precursors according to Girard's work.

Tyler Cowen: Trump's DOGE team should read Shakespeare.

Mentioned by

Alex Petkus

as an admirer of Cato.

103 - The Immortal Cato

Mentioned by

Tod Worner

, quoting Montaigne on face-to-face communication and its importance in human relationships.

The Extinction of Experience w/ Christine Rosen

Mentioned as someone who quoted Seneca.

Do This Every Day | Clarify Your Intentions

Mentioned by

William Green

in relation to a quote about the fragility of success.

RWH021: Investing Amid Uncertainty w/ Joel Greenblatt, Bill Miller, Howard Marks, & François Rochon

Mentioned by

Tim Logan

in relation to Flaubert's quote on lifelong learning.

Is Systemic Change in Education Possible? A Conversation with Alex Beard

Mentioned by

Brett McKay

and

Benjamin Storey

as a 16th-century philosopher whose ideas influenced later thinkers' views on happiness and contentment.

Why Are We Restless?

Mentioned by

Ryan Holiday

as a source for a story about a drinking game.

This Is The Dead’s Day | Accepting What Is

Mentioned by

Tyler Cowen

as an excellent book by

Lydia Davis

.

Lydia Davis on Language and Literature

Mentioned by

Tyler Cowen

as

Lydia Davis

's latest book, which he loved.

Lydia Davis on Language and Literature

Mentioned in relation to a passage from the book of Ecclesiastes, carved in the library of his home.

Signature moves: are we losing the ability to write by hand?

Mentioned by

Ryan Holiday

as a recommendation for young medical students to expand their minds and gain perspective.

How Stoicism Can Help Make Health Care Better

Mentioned by

Fin Taylor

as a boring book he read in university, describing it as early humanist literature.

Look How Good I Am At Drawing Apples | The Renaissance Part 2: Holland

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