When you read a good book, you will feel as if you have entered another world where you can communicate with the author. In this world, you can relax with all your heart, collide with the ideas in the book, and feel peaceful. This was how reading Montaigne’s Essays felt to me. Montaigne’s work was full of wise opinions which have enabled me to have a deeper understanding of life.
In this world, there are always people who complain that their situation is inferior to others. They pay too much attention to their surrounding environment and the situation of others that they have no focus on their own lives leading to missed opportunities. When a person complains about their circumstances, he often blinds his eyes and loses his direction. Montaigne says, “Not being able to govern events, I govern myself.” Only by constantly improving our skills and value can we adapt to the changing environment.
Montaigne also points out that, “There is no more expensive thing than a free gift.” I agree with this point and it is also reflected in the quote, “A free gift is a trap as people pay with their time; there is nothing more valuable in this world than time”. People often pay more in the end for something that was supposedly “free”. What we want must be achieved through our own efforts.
As for Montaigne, I didn’t know him before reading his book. After reading his book, I felt a strong sense of identity. His unique thinking on the value of life has strengthened my view on life and made me feel enlightened. This book will become a part of my value system and will accompany me in my future endeavors.
