“A wise man never loses anything, if he has himself.”

— Michel de Montaigne, Essais, Book I, Ch. 38 (wr. 1571–92; pub. 1580–95)

About Michel de Montaigne

1533 – 1592

French Renaissance philosopher, the inventor of the personal essay. His 'Essays' (1580) explore friendship, self-knowledge and human nature.

“Because it was he, because it was I.”

“All passions that suffer themselves to be relished and digested are but moderate.”

“He who should teach men to die would at the same time teach them to live.”

“Lord, what fools these mortals be!”

“Remember that all is opinion.”

“What is a weed? A plant whose virtues have yet to be discovered.”

“Beauty is the mark God sets upon virtue.”

“Truth also has its roof, and bed, and board.”

“Heartily know, when half-gods go, the gods arrive.”