In “Of the Inconsistency of Our Actions,” Montaigne points out the difference between their behavior and action. The philosophies he proposed may not be surprising in today’s view. But the philosophy of 500 years ago can also resonate with today’s thinking, which is a rare thing. Here is an example of how we contradict ourselves, “even good authors are wrong to insist on fashioning a consistent and solid fabric out of us. They choose on general characteristic, and go and arrange and interpret all a man actions to fit their picture; and if they cannot twist them enough, they go and set them down to dissimulation”. (page 363) We can judge people by our own opinions. Therefore, I agree with Montaigne that people are inconsistent with their actions and behaviors.
2 thoughts on “Montaigne’s essays”
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I agree with you, this book was created after the Renaissance in the 16th century. At that time, religious and humanistic ideology developed rapidly. So, in this historical context, Montaigne hopes to use his essay to state what he thinks about life and society. Montaigne applies and illustrates his ideas concerning the independence of the self in his essay.
I think Montaigne is also trying to convey that the inconsistencies that people often see in other’s behaviors could also be found within themselves. Especially during his time, people had a very limited view of what one could achieve so it must have been challenging to think differently. I think in those times it was difficult for self-exploration and to have opposing views from the norm.