Michel de Montaigne

Difficulty is a coin the learned make use of like jugglers, to conceal the inanity of their art.

Michel de Montaigne

Even in the midst of compassion we feel within I know not what tart sweet titillation of malicious pleasure in seeing others suffer; children have the same feeling.

Michel de Montaigne

Even on the most exalted throne in the world we are only sitting on our own bottom.

Michel de Montaigne

Excellent memories are often coupled with feeble judgments.

Michel de Montaigne

Fashion is the science of appearances, and it inspires one with the desire to seem rather than to be.

Michel de Montaigne

For there is no air that men so greedily draw in, that diffuses itself so soon, and that penetrates so deep as that of license.

Michel de Montaigne

For truth itself has not the privilege to be spoken at all times and in all sorts.

Michel de Montaigne

Fortune, seeing that she could not make fools wise, has made them lucky.

Michel de Montaigne

Glory and repose are things that cannot possibly inhabit in one and the same place.

Michel de Montaigne

He who would teach men to die would teach them to live.

Michel de Montaigne