Author |
Montaigne, Michel de, 1533-1592 |
Editor |
Hazlitt, William Carew, 1834-1913 |
Translator |
Cotton, Charles, 1630-1687 |
Title |
Essays of Michel de Montaigne — Volume 04
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Note |
Reading ease score: 46.5 (College-level). Difficult to read.
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Contents |
Of custom, and that we should not easily change a law received -- Various events from the same counsel -- Of pedantry.
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Credits |
Produced by David Widger
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Summary |
"Essays of Michel de Montaigne — Volume 04" by Michel de Montaigne is a philosophical collection of essays written during the late 16th century. This volume delves into various topics, ranging from the powerful influence of custom in shaping human behavior to reflections on the nature of authority, governance, and societal norms. Montaigne's essays draw upon personal anecdotes, historical references, and classical philosophy, facilitating a contemplative examination of human nature and morality. The opening of this volume begins with an essay titled “Of Custom, and That We Should Not Easily Change a Law Received,” where Montaigne explores the pervasive effects of custom on human behavior and societal norms. He uses a variety of illustrative examples—from anecdotal stories about unusual dietary customs of different cultures to the psychological impact of habituation—emphasizing how customs shape our perceptions and actions in ways that often escape our conscious awareness. Highlighting major philosophical ideas, Montaigne raises questions regarding the origins and implications of social practices, urging readers to reflect critically on the customs that govern their lives. He posits that the influence of custom can obscure moral judgment and rational decision-making, setting the tone for a deeper exploration of ethical and philosophical themes throughout the essays. (This is an automatically generated summary.)
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Language |
English |
LoC Class |
PQ: Language and Literatures: Romance literatures: French, Italian, Spanish, Portuguese
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Subject |
French essays -- Translations into English
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Category |
Text |
EBook-No. |
3584 |
Release Date |
Nov 1, 2004 |
Most Recently Updated |
Jan 8, 2021 |
Copyright Status |
Public domain in the USA. |
Downloads |
86 downloads in the last 30 days. |
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