Montaigne, Michel Eyquem de

(1533-1592)

   writer

   Michel Eyquem de Montaigne, who introduced the essay as a literary form, was born in the château of Montaigne near Libourne, to a wealthy family. Fluent in Latin at an early age, he went to study at the Collège de Guyenne in bordeaux. He served as a member of the Parlement of Bordeaux (1557), where he met étienne de la boétie. The death of the latter in 1563 did not, however, end the profound friendship and respect of Montaigne who, 15 years later, dedicated an entire chapter of his Essais to his friend. in 1562, Montaigne took an oath of loyalty to the Catholic faith, enabling him to sit in the Parlement of Paris. His literary career began in 1568 when he translated the Théologie naturelle of Raimundo sabunde. Resigning from the Parlement (1572), he began work on his Essais, the result of his extensive readings. The st. Bartholomew'sday massacre (1574) aroused his horror of all violence and his desire for the freedom of expression. After the publication of the first edition of the first two books of Essais in 1580 and their presentation to King henry III, Montaigne traveled in Italy and Germany. His visits (Journal de voyage) were interrupted in 1582, when he was elected mayor of Bordeaux. in 1585, the plague forced him to leave his château. He returned only in 1587 to prepare a fourth edition of his Essais. At this time he began his friendship with the writer Mme de gournay, which lasted until his death. The later years of his life were characterized by his devotion to King henry iv, who had stayed several times at his château (1584 and 1587). Celebrated by his contemporaries, the writings of Montaigne were much discussed during the 17th century, and later admirers include voltaire and dénis Diderot. As a thinker, he is noted for his study of institutions, customs, and opinions, and for his opposition to all forms of irrational dogmatism. He observed life with philosophical skepticism and emphasized the contradictions and inconsistencies inherent in human nature and behavior. His own morality tended toward Epicureanism, and as a scholar and humanist, he refused to be enslaved by passions and desires. As an educator, Montaigne held that the student should be taught the art of living through the development of conversation, observation, and through reading and travel.