Montaigne on Courage and Humanity
In the opening chapter of his Essays, Michel de Montaigne immediately shows what kind of thinker he is. He offers no rules, no instructions, and no moral conclusions. He observes. He compares. And he invites the reader to think for themselves. His central idea is simple, yet unsettling: completely different attitudes can sometimes lead to the same outcome. Humility may work. Fearless courage may also work. But just as often, neither does. With that, Montaigne sets the tone. Anyone looking for fixed answers will not find them here. No fixed formula for right action Montaigne describes situations in which people seek mercy from a victor. Sometimes by pleading and submitting. Sometimes by standing firm and refusing to show weakness. At times this evokes compassion. At other times, respect. And sometimes it provokes even greater cruelty. His point is clear: human behavior cannot be reduced to rules. What moves one person may irritate another. What inspires admiration today may provoke jealousy tomorrow. For those interested in Freemasonry, this feels familiar. Freemasonry does not promise ready-made answers but teaches how to deal with complexity. Not by judging, but by understanding. Compassion and admiration One of the most striking moments is Montaigne’s honesty […]
