The Legacy of Montaigne: How the Essay Became an Art Form
Introduction
Michel de Montaigne, the 16th-century French thinker, practically invented a new literary genre while asking life’s big (and small) questions. The essay—now synonymous with everything from high school assignments to viral opinion pieces—owes its origin to this introspective giant. Montaigne didn’t just write; he mused, pondered, and occasionally rambled. But in doing so, he gave literature an extraordinary gift: a form that blends philosophy, personal reflection, and storytelling. Let’s take a deep dive into how Montaigne’s legacy still shapes the way we think, write, and understand ourselves.
The Birth of the Essay: What Was Montaigne Thinking?
Montaigne coined the term essais, which literally means “attempts” in French. His essays were exactly that—attempts to understand the human condition, explore his own thoughts, and make sense of the chaos of life. Instead of writing grand treatises like his contemporaries, Montaigne chose a conversational, approachable style that often felt like a chat with a wise, slightly eccentric friend.
He didn’t claim to have all the answers (which, honestly, was a bold move for a Renaissance writer). Instead, he embraced uncertainty and contradiction. His essays cover everything from profound philosophical questions like What is the nature of happiness? to more relatable musings such as Why does everyone think their cat is special? (Okay, not quite that, but close).
Montaigne’s Greatest Hits
Montaigne’s essays are sprawling, covering a kaleidoscope of topics. Here are a few standout moments:
- “On Solitude”: A reflection on the need for solitude in a noisy world—an idea that feels eerily relevant in our age of constant notifications. Montaigne argued that withdrawing from society was sometimes necessary for self-discovery.
- “On Diverse Customs”: Montaigne compares so-called “civilized” Europeans to the indigenous peoples of the New World, challenging his readers to rethink their biases. It’s an early exercise in cultural relativism, showing Montaigne’s knack for empathy and open-mindedness.
- “On Experience”: Here, Montaigne reflects on the limits of human knowledge and the importance of learning through lived experiences rather than abstract theories. It’s as if he’s saying, “Stop talking, start doing.”
Why Montaigne Matters Today
Montaigne’s essays feel surprisingly modern, thanks to their intimate and introspective nature. He broke away from the rigid formalities of traditional writing, opting for a more personal and experimental approach. His influence can be seen in everyone from Virginia Woolf to Joan Didion, whose works reflect Montaigne’s balance of the personal and the philosophical.
The essay form itself—flexible, exploratory, and deeply human—has become a cornerstone of modern literature, journalism, and even academic writing. Whether you’re reading a New Yorker think piece or a heartfelt Medium post, Montaigne’s fingerprints are everywhere.
The Art of the Essay: Montaigne’s Enduring Appeal
At its heart, Montaigne’s legacy is about embracing imperfection. His essays weren’t polished to perfection, nor were they meant to be. They were raw, honest, and deeply personal—qualities that make his work timeless. Montaigne reminds us that writing doesn’t have to be about arriving at definitive answers. Sometimes, it’s just about asking the right questions.
References
- Montaigne, Michel de, The Complete Essays. Translated by M.A. Screech, Penguin Classics.
- Bakewell, Sarah, How to Live: Or a Life of Montaigne in One Question and Twenty Attempts at an Answer. Chatto & Windus.
- Cave, Terence, Montaigne and the Art of Free-Thinking. Oxford University Press.
- Michel de Montaigne essays
- History of the essay form
- French Renaissance literature
- Montaigne’s philosophical reflections
- Influence of Montaigne on modern writing
