Change in our work or domestic life doesn’t have to be daunting. Just ask Michel de Montaigne. He was a French aristocrat with a unique way of describing the world, from which perspective we have the word ‘essay’.
His essays drifted along like a modern day blog, encompassing a wide range of interests and casual references to his classical scholasticism. A remarkable man who’s personal tragedies, including the loss of his very good friend at a young age, did not floor him.
His travels and inquisitive mind led him to ponder all kinds of ethical dilemmas, and enter into timeless philosophical debates. How should a man live? A good question and starting point for a man who made sure he put down on paper his thoughts, observations and well-informed opinions.
A dinner with Michel de Montaigne, Jacques Derrida, Brian Cox, Stephen Hawking and Angela Merkel would be interesting.German, French, English…we would need headphones and a couple of good interpreters. The wine served with dessert will be from Chateau d’Yquem, a bit pricey, but Montaigne’s paying. The chateau was owned by Michel’s father, although his son had no interest in settling down to privileged idleness.
odespinner 