[Pre-Read] Montaigne, Essays [1580] 1 of 4. See reading schedule in Description

Meetup 1 of 4.
The first discussion of our new series on the most influential non-fiction books of all-time. As one of the heroes of our previous read, Sarah Bakewell's survey of humanism, Humanly Possible, first up is the innovator of the personal essay: Michel de Montaigne's Essays, first published in 1580.

Montaigne's Essays, a timeless collection of introspective musings, offer a panoramic view of human nature, wisdom, and skepticism. These profound reflections unravel the intricacies of existence, providing a roadmap to navigate life's complexities. Montaigne's captivating prose transcends epochs, inspiring critical thinking, empathy, and self-awareness. Within these pages lies a treasure trove of diverse perspectives, encouraging readers to ponder societal norms, mortality, and the essence of being. Engaging with Montaigne fosters intellectual growth, prompting introspection and dialogue. His Essays serve as a mirror to humanity, fostering empathy, understanding, and a deeper connection to the shared human experience, making them an invaluable asset in comprehending ourselves and the world. [gpt]

Edition (libraries have many copies, ebook and physical):
The Complete Essays of Montaigne. Trans. by Donald M. Frame. Stanford: Stanford Univ. Press, 1998. ISBN 9780804704861. Used: $8+
Montaigne: The Complete Essays. Trans. by M A. Screech. New York: Penguin Classics, 1993. ISBN 9780140446043. Used: 15+

How we will discuss Montaigne's Essays
Markup your text of the assignment with questions, comments, counterpoints, etc. We will solicit your remarks sequentially through the selected essays. Plus, please suggest other of the 89 Montaigne essays you want to discuss which are not listed below.

Schedule of readings (please read and annotate your text):
Jan 28, 2024: Montaigne, Essays [2023] First of 4 sessions
“Of idleness” I.8
"Of Fear" (De la peur) I.18
"That our happiness not be judged until after our death" I.19
“That to philosophize is to learn to die” I.20
"Of the Power of the Imagination" (Du pouvoir de l'imagination) I.21
"Of Pedantry" (De la pédanterie) I.25
“It is folly to measure the true and false by our own capacity” I.27
"Of Friendship" (De l'amitié) I.28
others...?

Feb 11, 2024: Montaigne, Essays. Second of 4 sessions
“Of moderation” I.30
"Of the Education of Children" (De l'éducation des enfants) I.26
"Of Cannibals" (Des Cannibales) I.31
“Of Solitude” (De la solitude) I.39
“Of the inconsistency of our actions” II.1
“Of books” II.10
"Of the Art of Discussion" III.8
“Of cruelty” II.11
"Of Anger" II.31
others...?

Feb 25, 2024: Montaigne, Essays. Third of 4 sessions
"Of Presumption" (De la présomption) II.17
"Of Repentance" (De repentir) III.2
"Of Coaches" (Des coches) III.6
others...?

Mar 10, 2024: Montaigne, Essays. Fourth of 4 sessions
“Of Experience” (De l'expérience) III.13
others...?

Join us online via Zoom.
After you RSVP, the link will be available.
Any attendees who have not read the text will be invited to pose questions via the Zoom Chat.

Many Videos on this author can be found on YouTube. View several and report back your favorites.

Our 2024 Schedule (forthcoming):
Mar-Dec 2024: A selection of the most influential non-fiction works of the past 3000 years.
Classics book group lead by David:
https://www.meetup.com/letsreadclassics/