Michel de Montaigne Quotes
Michel de Montaigne was one of the most influential and successful writers of the Renaissance and has been credited as the originator or the essay. Despite his rigorous education and training, Montaigne is also known for the famous saying, “What do I know?”
Image: Portrait painting of writer Michel de Montaigne
“We find our energies are actually cramped when we are overanxious to succeed.”
“The most certain sign of wisdom is cheerfulness.”
“The greatest thing in the world is to know how to belong to oneself.”
“He who fears he shall suffer, already suffers what he fears.”
“Lend yourself to others, but give yourself to yourself.”
– Michel de Montaigne (1533-1592)