(Updated July 12, 2025)
This Quote Archive collects pertinent quotes from the French Philosopher, Michel de Montaigne.
Next to each quote are the topic-based Quote Archives in which they are included.
This Quote Archive is being continuously updated as research continues.
Essays
Michel de Montaigne, Essay: An Apology for Raymond Sebond
- Catholic Warnings About the “Reformation” | Book 2, Ch. 12
(Book 2, Ch. 12)1
[T]hat was when the novelties of Luther were beginning to be esteemed, in many places shaking our old religion. He [Montaigne’s father] was well advised, clearly deducing that this new disease would soon degenerate into loathsome atheism. The mass of ordinary people lack the faculty of judging things as they are, letting themselves be carried away by chance appearances. Once you have put into their hands the foolhardiness of despising and criticizing opinions which they used to hold in the highest awe (such as those which concern their salvation), and once you have thrown into the balance of doubt and uncertainty any articles of their religion, they soon cast all the rest of their beliefs into similar uncertainty. They had no more authority for them, no more foundation, than for those who have just undermined; and so, as though it were the yoke of a tyrant, they shake off all those other concepts which had been impressed upon them by the authority of Law and the awesomeness of ancient custom.
Nam cupide conculcatur nimis ante metutum [“That which once was feared too greatly is now avidly trampled underfoot”; Lucretius, V, 1140, alluding to regicide].
They then take it upon themselves to accept nothing on which they have not pronounced their own approval, subjecting it to their individual assent.
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