1,152 Quotes by Michel de Montaigne

The beginnings of all things are weak and tender. We must therefore be clear-sighted in the beginnings, for, as in their budding we discern not the danger, so in their full growth we perceive not the remedy.

Like the watermen who advance forward while they look backward.

Whatever can be done another day can be done today.

The worthiest man to be known, and for a pattern to be presented to the world, he is the man of whom we have most certain knowledge. He hath been declared and enlightened by the most clear-seeing men that ever were; the testimonies we have of him are in faithfulness and sufficiency most admirable.

A good marriage (if any there be) refuses the conditions of love and endeavors to present those of amity.

He who does not live in some degree for others, hardly lives for himself.

The secret counsels of princes are a troublesome burden to such as have only to execute them.

Only the fools are certain and assured.

We do not marry for ourselves, whatever we say; we marry just as much or more for our posterity, for our family. The practice and benefit of marriage concerns our race very far beyond us.