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Quote by Michel de Montaigne

“Men are tormented by the opinions they have of things, and not the things themselves.”

Author

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

“We have more poets than judges and interpreters of poetry. It is easier to write an indifferent poem than to understand a good one. There is, indeed, a certain low and moderate sort of poetry, that a man may well enough judge by certain rules of art; but the true, supreme, and divine poesy is equally above all rules and reason. And whoever discerns the beauty of it with the most assured and most steady sight sees no more than the quick reflection of a flash of lightning.”

Source: Works, Comprising His Essays, Letters, and Journey Through Germany and Italy: With Notes from All the Commentators, Biographical and Bibliographical Notices &c., &c

“We do not correct the man we hang; we correct others by him.”

Men He Man Punishment

Book:Essays of Montaigne

Source: Essays of Montaigne

“Repentance is no other than a recanting of the will, and opposition to our fancies, which lead us which way they please.”

Way Please Fancy Opposition Repentance

Book:Essays [tr. by Cotton

Source: Essays [tr. by Cotton

“Vice leaves repentance in the soul, like an ulcer in the flesh, which is always scratching and lacerating itself; for reason effaces all other griefs and sorrows, but it begets that of repentance.”

Soul Reason Grief Sorrow Vices Flesh Repentance Begets Ulcers

Book:The Works of Michael de Montaigne: Comprising His Essays, Letters, and Journey Through Germany and Italy

Source: The Works of Michael de Montaigne: Comprising His Essays, Letters, and Journey Through Germany and Italy