Michel Montaigne short biography and interesting facts. Brief biography of Michel Montaigne

Biography

Montaigne was born in a family castle near Bordeaux. His father, a participant in the Italian wars, Pierre Eykem (who received the aristocratic title "de Montaigne") was at one time the mayor of this city; died in . Mother - Antoinette de Lopez, from a family of wealthy Aragonese Jews. In early childhood, Michel was brought up according to his father's liberal-humanistic pedagogical methodology - his teacher, a German, did not speak French at all and spoke with Michel exclusively in Latin.

Literature

• lazard M. Michel de Montaigne, biographie. - P.: Fayard. - 2002. ISBN 2-2136-1398-2
• Dictionnaire de Michel de Montaigne. Dirige par Ph. Desan. - P.: Champion. - 2004. - ISBN 2-7453-1142-5.

Links

• Kamaldinova E. Sh. Developmental education in a modern university // Knowledge. Understanding. Skill. - 2006. - No. 1. - S. 74-81.

• Kosikov G.K. The Last Humanist, or the Moving Life of Truth
• Michel de Montaigne- Biography. Bibliography. Philosophical views. sayings

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Michel de Montaigne Michel de Montaigne ... Wikipedia

MONTAIGNE, MICHEL EYQEM DE (Montaigne, Michel Eyquem de) MICHEL MONTAIGNE (1533 1592), French writer and philosopher. Born February 28, 1533 in Bordeaux. His father, Pierre Eyckem, belonged to the upper middle class; mother was a wealthy heiress ... ... Collier Encyclopedia

Montaigne, Michel de- Michel de Montaigne. Montaigne Michel de (1533 92), French philosopher humanist. Essayist (according to the type of presentation and method of philosophizing) “Experiments” (1580 88) are directed against scholasticism and moral philosophical dogmatism, marked ... ... Illustrated Encyclopedic Dictionary

Writer, philosopher and teacher Michel de Montaigne lived in an era when the Renaissance was already ending and the Reformation had begun. He was born in February 1533, in the Dordogne area (France). Both the life and works of the thinker are a kind of reflection of this "middle" period, between times. And some views of this amazing person brings it closer to the modern era. It is not for nothing that historians of philosophy argue about whether it is worth at all to attribute to the New Age such an original as Michel de Montaigne.

Biography

Initially, the family of the future philosopher was a merchant. His father, a German who did not even speak French, was called Pierre Aykem. 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 an excellent career, and even became the mayor of Bordeaux. This city later played a huge role in the life of the philosopher. For outstanding services to Bordeaux, Pierre Eykem was introduced to the nobility, and since he owned the land of Montaigne and the castle, an appropriate 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. Even in the family, he spoke with Michel only in Latin, 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 impressionable imagination was struck by the atrocities that people were capable of for the sake of religion. Perhaps that is why, during the Huguenot wars in France, he tried to mediate between the fighting parties. At least his sincerity paid off and he was heard by leaders of both Catholics and Protestants. One could also say about him in verses: "And I stand alone between them ...". He was also known as a practicing judge trying to negotiate settlements. But in 1565 he married, and the bride brought him a large dowry. And three years later his father died, leaving his son a family estate. Now Michel de Montaigne had enough money to pursue his hobbies and not work. So he did, profitably selling his judicial position as well.

Philosophy

Having retired at the age of 38, Michel finally gave himself to his beloved work. In the estate, he wrote his most famous book - "Experiments". After the publication of the first two volumes of the work in 1580, the philosopher traveled 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.

Work of a lifetime

Montaigne's main work is an essay. In fact, this genre itself appeared thanks to the philosopher. After all, the translation of the word "essay" from French means "experience." His book is not like those that were popular during the Renaissance. This is not a strict scientific or philosophical treatise. It has no plan, no structure. These are reflections and impressions about life, a collection of quotes, a storehouse of lively speech. We can say that Michel de Montaigne simply sincerely expressed his thoughts and observations, as God puts on the soul. But these notes were destined to survive the centuries.

"Experiences". Summary

Montaigne's essay is somewhere between reflection and confession. There is a lot of personal in the book, which he admits to others. At the same time, analyzing himself, Michel de Montaigne tries to understand the nature of the human spirit as such. He exposes himself to understand others. Montaigne is a kind of skeptic, disappointed in humanity and its ideas, as well as in the possibilities of knowledge. He tries to justify reasonable selfishness and the pursuit of happiness, relying on the Stoics. At the same time, the philosopher criticizes both contemporary Catholic scholasticism and skepticism, which questions all virtues.

Are there real ideals?

Philosophers all over the world are subject to authorities, argues Montaigne. They rely on Thomas Aquinas, Augustine, Aristotle and so on. But these authorities can also be wrong. The same can be said about our own opinion. In some ways it is true, but it cannot serve as an authority for others. It's just that we must always realize that our knowledge is limited. The philosopher Michel de Montaigne swung not only at the authorities of the past, but also at the ideals of the present. He critically examines the question of virtues, altruism and moral principles in general. Montaigne believes that all these are slogans that are used by those in power to manipulate people. A person should live freely and with dignity, as he wants, to enjoy. 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 experience,” he told his readers. And if so, then in life, first of all, you should be guided by your mind. Those who say that their opinion is the best, and even trying to force others to obey themselves, do not deserve respect.Therefore, it is better to avoid fanaticism and equalize the rights of all religions.Philosophy should push a person to lead good life and follow good customs, and not be a set of dead and incomprehensible rules to most. Then a person will learn to live in reality. Adversity should be treated "philosophically" if you can not change the situation. And in order to suffer less, you need to come to a state of mind when pleasure is felt stronger, and pain is weaker. Any state must be respected not because it is ideal, but because any change of power will inevitably lead to even greater problems."

Montaigne also devoted much thought to the education of the new generation. In this area, he followed all the ideals - he should not be a narrow specialist, but a versatile person, and by no means a fanatic. Michel de Montaigne was absolutely unshakable in this. 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 get maximum pleasure. Montaigne's ideas not only appealed to contemporaries, but inspired subsequent generations. Thinkers and writers such as Pascal, Descartes, Voltaire, Rousseau, Bossuet, Pushkin and Tolstoy use his ideas, argue with him or agree with him. Until now, Montaigne's reasoning has not lost popularity.

MONTAGAIN, MICHEL EIKEM DE(Montaigne, Michel Eyquem de) (1533–1592), French writer and philosopher. Born February 28, 1533 near Bordeaux. His father, Pierre Eyckem, belonged to the upper middle class.

In early childhood, Montaigne was brought up according to the pedagogical method of his father, similar in spirit to the views on the education of F. Rabelais. The boy's tutor did not speak French and conversed with his ward only in Latin. At the age of 6, Montaigne was sent to school, and at the age of 21, having completed the study of ancient authors, philosophy and law at the University of Toulouse, he received a judicial position. Soon he became friends with his colleague - Etienne de La Boesi. In all his life, Montaigne had never had a closer person, and early death La Boesi in 1563 left a deep mark on his soul.

For a time, Montaigne was not devoid of political ambition. France at that time was plunging into the abyss of religious wars; Montaigne, although he took the side of the Catholics, but both in character and in life experience was a believer in tolerance. Among his closest relatives and friends there were many Huguenots, and he himself was at one time inclined towards a religious compromise. Later, he came to the conclusion that it was impossible to accept some parts of the Catholic doctrine and reject others, since the church doctrine is a single whole.

In 1565 Montaigne married Francoise de Chassagne; the bride brought him a substantial dowry. After the death of his father in 1568, he inherited the Montaigne family estate. Here he settled in 1571, having sold his judicial office and retired.

Montaigne's first literary work was a translation of a Latin treatise, undertaken at the request of his father, the author of which, the Spanish theologian Raymond of Sabund, was looking for evidence of the truth catholic faith in the arguments of the human, natural mind. This approach was the opposite of what Montaigne advocated, namely that faith is beyond reason and above it. The analysis of the views of the Spanish theologian and the presentation of his own most important thoughts on religion is devoted to Apology of Raymond of Sabund- Montaigne's most extensive essay; work on it began seven years after the publication of the translation.

The earliest of Montaigne's essays date back to 1572, the year of St. Bartholomew's night and the beginning of the civil war. At first it was notes about reading. Montaigne's favorite books at that time were the letters of Seneca, Plutarch in French translation J. Amio, Latin poets and several contemporary historical and memoir writings. Most of all, Montaigne was occupied with such things as government, war, and peculiarities. human behavior. The stories of travelers also aroused his interest. An essay is based on one of these stories. About cannibals, where Montaigne, two centuries before J.J. Rousseau, develops the idea of ​​a “noble savage”.

First two books Experiences were published in 1580 in Bordeaux. Already in these early writings the personal theme begins to give way to more general and literary issues. In 1577, Montaigne suffered the first attack of urolithiasis, and three years later he went to the waters to be treated - in Germany and Italy. The fruit of this journey is travel diary (Journal de Voyage).

Meanwhile, Montaigne was re-elected mayor of Bordeaux. His second term in office was marked by the renewal civil war and a visit to Bordeaux by the heir to the throne, Henry of Navarre. Montaigne received the prince and earned his favor. But by that time he had already lost political ambition, sought solitude in his castle, and his thoughts were busy working on the third book. Experiences.

The third book and the additions made by Montaigne to the first two are largely autobiographical. Most of all, he is interested in his own experience - not because it seems to him unique, but because this is the only evidence on which he can rely.

In 1588, Montaigne met in Paris Marie de Gournay, a young girl, an ardent admirer of his ideas. She became Montaigne, as it were, an adopted daughter, and in 1595 published a posthumous edition Experiences.

The last years of Montaigne's life were overshadowed by illnesses - kidney stones, gout, rheumatism. Before reaching his sixtieth birthday, he felt like an old man. Despite all the ailments, he tried to maintain an active lifestyle, but he refused the invitation of Henry IV to come to him, made in 1590. Montaigne died near Bordeaux on September 13, 1592.

Experiences Montaigne is a test, a test to which he subjects his own opinions on various issues. Education, friendship, parental love, freedom of conscience, power over one's own will - everything is considered from the point of view of personal experience and supported by citations. Montaigne comes to the conclusion that all things are relative.

The popularity of Montaigne, which arose during his lifetime, continued for more than half a century after his death. D. Florio translated his works into English in 1613, but Shakespeare may have met him ten years earlier. Montaigne's approach to religion was soon condemned by the Church and his popularity declined. However, in the 17th century he was a favorite author both for the libertines and for Pascal, who had been arguing all his life with the sanity of Montaigne. Even during the decline of interest in Montaigne, between 1669 and 1724, among his admirers was, for example, J. La Bruyère. 18th century re-evaluated the views of Montaigne, and the 19th century. - the subtlety of his psychological reasoning.

Michel de Montaigne

The famous thinker and researcher of philosophy - Michel de Montaigne - a writer from France and a philosopher of the epochal period of the Renaissance, the author of a book edition "Experiences".

Biography

Birth Michel de Montaigne happened in a family-family castle in the French city of Saint-Michel-de-Montaigne, not far from Perigueux and Bordeaux. Montaigne's father was a participant in the Italian wars, Pierre Eykem, who received the title of aristocrat "de Montaigne". And he worked at one time as the mayor of the city of Bordeaux. His father dies in $1568$. Mother's name - Antoinette de Lopez, she grew up in the family of a wealthy Aragonese Jew. Michel's early childhood takes place in education according to the liberal, humanistic and pedagogical methods of his father. The main teacher of Michel de Montaigne is an educated German, but did not know at all French and spoke to Michel only in Latin. Michelle receives an excellent education at home, then goes to and graduates from college and becomes a lawyer.

During the Huguenot wars, Michel de Montaigne was often an intermediary ambassador among the warring parties. He was equally respected by the Catholic King Henry III and the Protestant Henry of Navarre.

Philosophy of Montaigne

Remark 1

The writings entitled "Experiences" by Michel de Montaigne are a series of self-confessions that stem primarily from research and observation of oneself. This work also contains reflections on the essence of the human spirit in general. According to the words of the philosopher-writer, each person can reflect humanity in himself. He chooses himself as one of the representatives of the family, and studies in the most thorough way all his spiritual movement. human thinking. His philosophical position is designated as skepticism, but skepticism appears in a completely special character.

Skepticism of Montaigne

Michel de Montaigne's skepticism is a cross between life skepticism, which is the result of bitter life experience and disappointment in people, and philosophical skepticism, which is based on certain beliefs in the wrong fact. human knowledge. Peace of mind, versatility and common sense brings him out of the extremes of both directions. Selfishness and selfish notes are recognized, which are main reason human actions. Michel de Montaigne is not outraged by this, he finds it a completely correct and even necessary fact for the happiness of human existence and life. Because if a person takes the interests of other people as close to his heart as his own, then he will not feel peace of mind and happiness. Montaigne criticizes human pride, he proves that a person cannot know absolute truths.

The basic moral of Montaigne

The main feature in Montaigne's morality is a deep desire for happiness. He adopted these views from some philosophers, and he was also greatly influenced by Epicurus and especially Seneca and Plutarch.

The teachings of the Stoics help him develop those moral balances, those philosophical clarity of spirit, which the Stoics consider the main condition for a happy human being. According to Montaigne, a person lives not in order to bring a moral ideal into life and be closer to it, but in order to be happy man.

Attitude towards unhappiness

It is wise to treat inevitable misfortunes with humility. You need to try to get used to them as soon as possible. It is impossible to replace the malfunction of one organ by the increased activity of another, and another. As for subjective misfortunes, it is up to the people themselves to weaken their sharpness to a large extent. To notice this, you need to look from a philosophical point of view at fame, wealth, honors, and so on. The duties of a person include, first of all, an attitude towards oneself, these points should be followed by duties in relation to other people and to society as a whole.

Michel Montaigne is a French writer and philosopher. Born February 28, 1533 in Bordeaux in the family of a descendant of the Gascon bourgeois, who became nobles. He received a classical education at home, in early childhood he was fluent in Latin: by order of his father, his mentor was a German teacher who spoke to him only in Latin. From the age of 6 he has been studying at the College of Bordeaux.

Montaigne's first literary work was a translation of a Latin treatise, undertaken at the request of his father, whose author, the Spanish theologian Raymond of Sabund, sought proof of the truth of the Catholic faith in the arguments of the human, natural mind. This approach was the opposite of what Montaigne advocated, namely that faith is beyond reason and above it. The Apologia of Raymond of Sabund, Montaigne's most extensive essay, is devoted to the analysis of the views of the Spanish theologian and the presentation of his own most important thoughts on religion; work on it began seven years after the publication of the translation.

Books (3)

Experiences. Book 1

Book I. “Experiments” by Montaigne (1533–1592) is a work that in form represents a free combination of notes, reflections, observations, examples and descriptions, anecdotes and quotations, combined into chapters. The titles of the chapters eloquently testify to their content: “On sorrow”, “On friendship”, “On solitude”, etc.

Experiences. Book 2

Book II. Montaigne's "Experiments" (1533–1592) is a work that in form represents a free combination of notes, reflections, observations, examples and descriptions, anecdotes and quotations, combined into chapters. The titles of the chapters eloquently testify to their content: “On sorrow”, “On friendship”, “On solitude”, etc.

"Experiments" is one of the remarkable monuments, which vividly reflected the humanistic ideals and freedom-loving ideas of the advanced culture of the French Renaissance.

Experiences. Book 3

Book III. Montaigne's "Experiments" (1533–1592) is a work that in form represents a free combination of notes, reflections, observations, examples and descriptions, anecdotes and quotations, combined into chapters. The titles of the chapters eloquently testify to their content: “On sorrow”, “On friendship”, “On solitude”, etc.

"Experiments" is one of the remarkable monuments, which vividly reflected the humanistic ideals and freedom-loving ideas of the advanced culture of the French Renaissance.

Reader Comments

Dalia/ 05/18/2017 Wise old Montaigne... thank you!

Yu.R./ 11/19/2015 If you read books, read this one too; If you don't read it, at least read this one.

valer/ 05/14/2013 at the end of the 80s I bought some book, Montaigne was put into the load, I was indignant even then. For ten years I stood on the shelf all three volumes once, out of boredom, I began to read and for a good ten years this is my reference book, it really seems like you you listen to him, draw your own conclusions, learn to observe and notice life and what happens in life. Now my daughter has started reading on her own, she carries a book and a notebook for notes, I'm just very pleased, let it be useful to everyone who hangs out with Michel.

Guest/ 21.05.2012 Thank you very much!
Good luck and prosperity!

Niko/ 31.03.2012 The main thing is that you don't feel what was written 500 years ago. Previously, before reading, I suspected in myself views that did not correspond to collectivity, as a shortcoming. Michel is right - there is always more garbage!

Oleg/ 07/15/2011 I bought 3 volumes in a second-hand bookstore for $ 3 =_). It is interesting that you can read from absolutely anywhere, the chapters are not particularly related to each other. For me, reading develops a versatile view of myself and what is happening around.

passing by/ 03/04/2011 A wonderful book! It feels like he is talking to you (author) with his own eyes!

Alexandra/ 7.12.2010 A great man, a great mind, opening up to us the boundless expanses of his soul and presenting his thoughts in a rather simple form. Read.!!! Please read!

Guest / 12.12.2009 Good book. I read only half of the first book and I was interested, I began to look at many things differently.