Footnotes to Plato from the foothills of the Superstition Mountains

Category: Montaigne

  • Epistemic Bluster

    Man, who boasts of his knowledge, does not even know what knowledge is. ……………………. The thought is from Michel de Montaigne (1533-1592), Apology for Raymond Sebond, trs. Roger Ariew and Marjorie Grene, Hackett Publishing, 2003, p. 12. The Apology first saw the light of day in 1580.

  • The Sartorial Functionalist Speaks

    Substack latest.

  • Montaigne on Why Language Matters

    My Substack latest begins like this after a quotation from the Frenchman: Montaigne's point is mine.  Language matters.  It deserves respect as the vehicle and enabler of our thoughts and — to change the metaphor — the common currency for the exchange of ideas.  To tamper with the accepted meanings of words in order  to…

  • Montaigne on Why Language Matters

    Allan J. writes, You often speak of the importance of using language responsibly, i.e. not like a librul. So I thought you would enjoy this: “Our understanding is conducted solely by means of the word: anyone who falsifies it betrays public society. It is the only tool by which we communicate our wishes and our…

  • Friday Cat Blogging: Montaigne and His Cat

  • Why Do We Judge People By Their Attire?

    In Chapter 42 of his Essays, Montaigne remarks that We praise a horse for its strength and speed, not on account of its harness; a greyhound for its swiftness and not its collar; a hawk for its wing and not for its jesses and bells. Why then do we not value a man for what…