The writer, philosopher and teacher Michel de Montaigne lived in an era when the Renaissance was already completed and the Reformation began. He was born in February 1533, in the area of Dordogne (France). Both the life and works of the thinker are a kind of reflection of this “middle” period, inter-time. And some of the views of this amazing man bring him closer to the modern era. It is not for nothing that the historians of philosophy argue about whether it is worthwhile to attribute such an original as Michel de Montaigne to the New Time.
Biography
Initially, the family of the future philosopher was a merchant. His father, a German who did not even speak French, was called Pierre Eyckem. His mother, Antoinette de Lopez, was from a family of refugees from the Spanish province of Aragon - they left these places during the persecution of Jews. But Michel's father made a wonderful career, and even became the mayor of Bordeaux. This city subsequently played a huge role in the life of the philosopher. For outstanding services to Bordeaux, Pierre Eyck was introduced into the nobility, and since he owned Montaigne land and the castle, a corresponding prefix was made to his surname. Michel himself was born in the castle. The father managed to give his son the best home education that was possible at that time. He even spoke with Michel only in Latin in the family so that the boy would not relax.
Career
So, the future philosopher went to college in Bordeaux, and then became a lawyer. From a young age, his impressive imagination was struck by the atrocities that people were capable of for the sake of religion. Maybe that's why during the Huguenot wars in France, he tried to mediate between the fighting parties. At least his sincerity bore fruit, and leaders of both Catholics and Protestants listened to his opinion. One could also say verses about him: “But I stand alone between them ...”. He was also known as a practicing judge trying to make peace agreements. But in 1565 he married, and the bride brought him a large dowry. And three years later his father died, leaving his family estate to his son. Now Michel de Montaigne had enough money to engage in his hobbies and not work. So he did, profitably selling his judicial position.
Philosophy
After retiring at 38, Michelle finally surrendered to his beloved business. On the estate, he wrote his most famous book, Experiments. After the publication of the first two volumes of labor in 1580, the philosopher went to travel and visited several European countries - Italy, Germany, Switzerland. Like his father, he was twice elected mayor of Bordeaux. The city was pleased with the rule of Montaigne, although the philosopher at that time was away from France. He also wrote diaries and travel notes. He lived modestly and died at the age of fifty-nine, in 1592, right in the church, while serving in his native castle. The philosopher wrote his works not only in French and Latin, but also in Italian and Occitan.
Life work
Montaigne's main work is an essay. Actually, this genre itself appeared thanks to the philosopher. After all, the translation of the word "essay" from French also means "experience." His book is not like the ones that were popular in the Renaissance. This is not a rigorous scientific or philosophical treatise. She has no plan, no structure. These are reflections and impressions of life, a collection of quotes, a storehouse of lively speech. We can say that Michel de Montaigne simply sincerely stated his thoughts and observations on how God would put his soul. But these notes were destined to survive centuries.
"Experiments." Summary
Montaigne's essay is a cross between meditation and confession. The book has a lot of personalities in which it is recognized by others. At the same time, analyzing himself, Michel de Montaigne is trying to understand the nature of the human spirit as such. He flaunts himself to comprehend others. Montaigne is a kind of skeptic who has become disillusioned with humanity and his ideas, as well as with the possibilities of cognition. He is trying to justify rational egoism and the pursuit of happiness, relying on the Stoics. At the same time, the philosopher criticizes both the modern Catholic scholasticism and skepticism, casting doubt on all virtues.
Are there real ideals?
Philosophers of the whole world submit to authorities, - Montaigne argues. They rely on Thomas Aquinas, Augustine, Aristotle and so on. But these authorities can also be mistaken. The same can be said of our own opinion. In some ways, it is true, but cannot serve as authority for others. We just must always understand that our knowledge is limited. The philosopher Michel de Montaigne swung not only at the authority of the past, but also at the ideals of the present. He critically considers the issue of virtues, altruism, and moral principles in general. Montaigne believes that all these are slogans that use the powers that be to manipulate people. A person should live freely and dignified, as he wants, to have fun. Then he will love others. Then he will show his courage, incompatible with anger, fear and humiliation.
God and philosophy
Montaigne clearly identified himself as an agnostic. "I can’t say anything about God, I don’t have such an experience," he told his readers. And if so, then in life you should first of all be guided by your mind. Those who say that their opinion is the best, and even they try to force others to submit to themselves, do not deserve respect, therefore it is better to avoid fanaticism and equalize all religions in rights. Philosophy should encourage a person to lead a good life and follow good customs, and not be a set of dead and incomprehensible to most rules. Then a person will learn to live in reality. To unhappily You should be “philosophical” if you cannot change the situation. And in order to suffer less, you need to come to such a state of mind when pleasure is felt more and pain is weaker. Every state should be respected not because it is perfect, but because any change of power will inevitably lead to even greater problems. "
Montaigne also devoted much thought to the education of a new generation. In this area, he followed all the ideals of the Renaissance. A person should not be a narrow specialist, but a versatile person, and certainly not a fanatic. This was completely unshakable Michel de Montaigne. Pedagogy, from his point of view, is the art of developing a strong will and a strong character in a child, which allows him to endure the vicissitudes of fate and receive maximum pleasure. Montaigne's ideas were not only liked by contemporaries, but were inspired by subsequent generations. Thinkers and writers such as Pascal, Descartes, Voltaire, Russo, Bossuet, Pushkin and Tolstoy, use his ideas, argue with him or agree. Until now, Montaigne's reasoning has not lost popularity.