There is as much difference between us and ourselves as there is between us and others. — Michel de Montaigne
An able reader often discovers in other people’s writings perfections beyond those — Michel de Montaigne
If you press me to say why I loved him, I can say no more than because he was he, and I was i. — Michel de Montaigne
The value of life lies not in the length of days, but in the use we make of them… — Michel de Montaigne
We can be knowledgable with other men’s knowledge but we cannot be wise with other men’s wisdom. — Michel de Montaigne
When I play with my cat, who knows whether she is not amusing herself with me more than I with her. — Michel de Montaigne
Wit is a dangerous weapon, even to the possessor, if he knows not how to use it discreetly. — Michel de Montaigne
We only labor to stuff the memory, and leave the conscience and the understanding unfurnished and void. — Michel de Montaigne
There is a sort of gratification in doing good which makes us rejoice in ourselves. — Michel de Montaigne
The world is all a carcass and vanity, the shadow of a shadow, a play and in one word, just nothing. — Michel de Montaigne
There is not much less vexation in the government of a private family than in the managing of an entire state. — Michel de Montaigne
Unless a man feels he has a good enough memory, he should never venture to lie. — Michel de Montaigne
There is little less trouble in governing a private family than a whole kingdom. — Michel de Montaigne
Virtue rejects facility to be her companion. She requires a craggy, rough and thorny way. — Michel de Montaigne
The soul which has no fixed purpose in life is lost; to be everywhere, is to be nowhere. — Michel de Montaigne