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Quote by Michel de Montaigne

“We are never present with, but always beyond ourselves; fear, desire, hope, still push us on toward the future.”

Work

This compilation features a curated selection of Michel de Montaigne's most renowned essays, showcasing his wit, insight, and philosophical depth on a wide range of subjects. more

Author

Michel de Montaigne

Michel de Montaigne was a French Renaissance philosopher, essayist, and writer. He is considered one of the most significant figures in the history of the essay. Montaigne's work, particularly his book 'Essays', has been influential in the development of modern prose. more

“So far there has been no philosopher in whose hands philosophy has not grown into an apology for knowledge; on this point, at least, every one is an optimist, that the greatest usefulness must be ascribed to knowledge. They are all tyrannized over by logic, and this is optimism in its essence.”

Has Beens Philosophy Hands Logic Optimism Essence Philosopher Pessimism Apology Optimist Usefulness

Book:The Philosophy of Nietzsche

Source: The Philosophy of Nietzsche

“We look for some reward of our endeavors and are disappointed that not success, not happiness, not even peace of conscience, crowns our ineffectual efforts to do well. Our frailties are invincible, our virtues barren; the battle goes sore against us to the going down of the sun.”

Wells Looks Effort Sun Virtue Battle Conscience Optimism Rewards Endeavor Pessimism Disappointed Crowns Invincible Barren Frailty

Book:Collected Memoirs, Travel Sketches and Island Literature of Robert Louis Stevenson: Autobiographical Writings and Essays by the prolific Scottish novelist, poet and travel writer, author of Treasure Island, The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, Kidnapped & Catriona

Source: Collected Memoirs, Travel Sketches and Island Literature of Robert Louis Stevenson: Autobiographical Writings and Essays by the prolific Scottish novelist, poet and travel writer, author of Treasure Island, The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, Kidnapped & Catriona

“Let a man once see himself as others see him, and all enthusiasm vanishes from his heart.”

Men Heart Optimism Enthusiasm Pessimism

Book:Contemplations: Being Several Short Essays Helpful Sermonettes, Epigrams and Orphic Sayings

Source: Contemplations: Being Several Short Essays Helpful Sermonettes, Epigrams and Orphic Sayings

“The vanishing, volatile froth of the present which any shadow will alter, any thought blow away, any event annihilate, is every moment converted into the adamantine.”

Moments Events Shadow Optimism Blow Pessimism Vanishing

Book:The Journals and Miscellaneous Notebooks of Ralph Waldo Emerson

Source: The Journals and Miscellaneous Notebooks of Ralph Waldo Emerson

“There is an optimism which nobly anticipates the eventual triumph of great moral laws, and there is an optimism which cheerfully tolerates unworthiness.”

Law Moral Optimism Triumph Pessimism Tolerate Anticipate Moral Law

Book:Under dispute

Source: Under dispute