Podcast Summary: Hardcore Literature Ep 78 - The Essays of Montaigne
Host: Benjamin McEvoy
Release Date: August 1, 2024
Podcast Description:
Hardcore Literature offers deep dives into some of the greatest books ever written, exploring provocative poems, evocative epics, and life-changing literary analyses. Hosted by Benjamin McEvoy, the podcast encourages listeners to not just read but live the great books, embarking on a transformative reading adventure.
1. Introduction to Montaigne and the Episode
Overview:
The episode begins by setting the historical context of Michel de Montaigne’s life in 16th-century France, a period ravaged by religious civil wars. Montaigne is introduced as a high-ranking legal counselor known today as the father of the personal essay and a pioneer of modern thought.
Notable Quote:
“Montaigne... the father of modern thought and the close friend of all who read him.”
— Narrator [00:00]
2. Montaigne’s Near-Death Experience and Its Impact
Overview:
At 37, Montaigne survives a severe horse-riding accident, nearly losing his life. This traumatic event, compounded by the deaths of his children, brother, best friend, and father, profoundly shifts his perception of life and death.
Key Points:
- Montaigne’s physical and emotional scars.
- Realization that perceived pain can be peaceful from the individual’s perspective.
- Transformation in his relationship with death, leading to a focus on living life fully.
Notable Quote:
“Returning to Life over the next couple of days felt like returning from the other world.”
— Narrator [Timestamp not specified]
3. Montaigne’s Retirement and Shift to Otium
Overview:
A year after his accident, tired of the mundanity and dangers of his legal career amidst civil unrest, Montaigne retires from the Bordeaux Parlement. He embraces otium—leisure and reflective contemplation—drawing inspiration from ancient philosophers.
Key Points:
- Critique of the flawed justice system and bureaucratic incompetence.
- Decision to prioritize wisdom and tranquility over public service.
- Creation of a personal retreat filled with treasures and a vast library.
Notable Quote:
“We have lived quite enough for others, ... live at least this tail end of life for ourselves.”
— Narrator [Timestamp not specified]
4. Montaigne’s Struggle with Melancholy
Overview:
Montaigne faces a midlife existential crisis as idleness leads to serious depression. Influenced by the Renaissance theory of the four humors, he grapples with melancholy, which ironically propels him into his greatest work—his essays.
Key Points:
- The transition from business (negotium) to leisure (otium).
- The buildup of unaddressed trauma and its impact on his mental health.
- Decision to write as a form of self-therapy, leading to catharsis and self-discovery.
Notable Quote:
“He realized that his writing actually purged the melancholy.”
— Narrator [Timestamp not specified]
5. Montaigne’s Essays as Self-Therapy
Overview:
Montaigne embarks on writing essays to confront and understand his inner turmoil. Viewing the essays as attempts to explore and expose his deepest thoughts, he transforms his personal struggles into universal insights.
Key Points:
- Essays as a medium for self-examination and catharsis.
- Emphasis on honesty and vulnerability in his writing.
- Recognition of the essays’ therapeutic benefits for himself and readers.
Notable Quote:
“He was going to probe into the deepest recesses of his mind and show everything, warts and all.”
— Narrator [Timestamp not specified]
6. Montaigne’s Approach to Writing Essays
Overview:
Unlike the didactic and moralistic literature of his time, Montaigne’s essays are conversational, personal, and diverse in topic. He values substance over style, favoring straightforward expression to build trust with readers.
Key Points:
- Rejection of formal conventions and rhetoric.
- Essays as personal narratives blending his thoughts with quotations from great writers.
- Emphasis on exploring a wide range of topics, from profound philosophical questions to mundane daily activities.
Notable Quote:
“I have written swift, like a horse at a gallop... matter, substance over style.”
— Narrator [Timestamp not specified]
7. Montaigne’s Views on Social Conventions and Conversational Art
Overview:
Montaigne challenges rigid social norms, advocating for authenticity and breaking free from societal expectations. His essay “Ceremonial at the Meeting of Kings” exemplifies his disdain for unnecessary formalities.
Key Points:
- Critique of hierarchical social interactions.
- Advocacy for genuine human connection over superficial protocols.
- Emphasis on personal integrity and self-possession in social settings.
Notable Quote:
“I have to cut out all formalities. Does anyone take offence? What are of it?”
— Narrator [Timestamp not specified]
8. Diversity of Topics in Montaigne’s Essays
Overview:
Montaigne’s essays cover an extensive array of subjects, showcasing his intellectual curiosity and ability to intertwine personal reflection with broader philosophical themes.
Key Points:
- Topics range from art criticism, classical virtues, theological questions, to personal habits and bodily functions.
- Exploration of both grand and trivial matters, always reflecting back to personal experience.
- Uniform focus on the universal through the individual.
Notable Quote:
“The universal is in the individual.”
— Narrator [Timestamp not specified]
9. Evolution and Structure of Montaigne’s Essays
Overview:
Over two decades, Montaigne’s essays evolve in depth and complexity, growing from short vignettes to comprehensive explorations of his thoughts. The shift from two to three books signifies this maturation.
Key Points:
- Essays initially intended as a commonplace book expand into a more structured and profound body of work.
- Iterative nature of essays, with later additions enriching earlier ones.
- Use of an ABC system to indicate the chronological phases of his thoughts.
Notable Quote:
“The essays as a whole have a very textured, layered quality to them.”
— Narrator [Timestamp not specified]
10. Reading Montaigne: Recommendations and Challenges
Overview:
Benjamin McEvoy provides strategies for approaching Montaigne’s essays, encouraging both selective reading and a comprehensive linear journey to fully appreciate their unity and depth.
Key Points:
- Options include curated lists of top essays or reading in a non-linear, topic-driven manner.
- Challenges readers to engage deeply, annotate, and integrate Montaigne’s insights with other literary works.
- Personal recommendation to read all essays within a year for a transformative experience.
Notable Quote:
“Your assignment... is to have read the entire essays by the end of the year.”
— Narrator [Timestamp 46:31]
11. Montaigne’s Philosophy on Death and Life
Overview:
A significant portion of the episode delves into Montaigne’s evolving attitudes toward death, from fearing it to embracing it as a natural part of life, ultimately prioritizing living well over merely preparing to die.
Key Points:
- Three attitudinal phases towards death: preparation, acceptance, and living as an end in itself.
- Influence of Stoicism, Epicureanism, and skepticism on his views.
- Integration of memento mori and carpe diem philosophies to enhance life’s quality.
Notable Quote:
“If you can, I will prevent my death from saying anything not first said by my life.”
— Narrator [Timestamp not specified]
12. Montaigne’s Influence on Shakespeare
Overview:
The podcast explores the profound impact Montaigne had on William Shakespeare, particularly in shaping his understanding of human nature and drama.
Key Points:
- Shakespeare’s adoption of Montaigne’s conversational and introspective style.
- Similarities between Montaigne’s and Shakespeare’s exploration of contradictions within individuals.
- Influence evident in Shakespeare’s portrayal of complex characters like Hamlet and King Lear.
Notable Quote:
“Shakespeare was a deep reader of his essays.”
— Narrator [Timestamp not specified]
13. Montaigne’s Acceptance of Contradictions
Overview:
Montaigne embraces the complexity of human nature by acknowledging and accepting personal contradictions, which in turn fosters empathy and understanding toward others.
Key Points:
- Recognition of the multifaceted self, containing opposing traits.
- Encouragement to view life as a blend of comedy and tragedy.
- Emphasis on flexibility and adaptability in personal beliefs and actions.
Notable Quote:
“I contradict myself, Whitman asked. Very well, then, I contradict myself.”
— Narrator [Timestamp not specified]
14. Montaigne’s Views on Virtue, Emotion, and Control
Overview:
Montaigne discusses the importance of mastering one’s emotions and maintaining internal control to lead a virtuous and fulfilling life.
Key Points:
- Distinction between genuine virtues and societal expectations.
- Strategies for managing emotions like anger to preserve justice and kindness.
- Importance of internal locus of control for personal growth and resilience.
Notable Quote:
“No one suffers long, save by his own fault.”
— Narrator [Timestamp not specified]
15. Montaigne’s Approach to Public Life and Empathy
Overview:
Montaigne balances his empathy and duty in public roles with his commitment to personal integrity and self-care. His tenure as mayor of Bordeaux exemplifies his ability to empathize without losing himself.
Key Points:
- Strategies for managing public expectations while staying true to oneself.
- Importance of self-love and maintaining personal boundaries.
- Real-life anecdotes demonstrating his empathetic and composed nature in leadership roles.
Notable Quote:
“I give myself to others without taking myself away from me.”
— Narrator [Timestamp not specified]
16. Final Thoughts and Reading Assignment
Overview:
McEvoy challenges listeners to engage deeply with Montaigne’s essays, either through selective reading or committing to a full, linear exploration by the end of the year. He emphasizes the transformative potential of Montaigne’s work.
Key Points:
- Importance of consistent and active reading.
- Encouragement to integrate Montaigne’s insights with other literary studies.
- Personal top 10 list of recommended essays for beginners, along with honorable mentions.
Notable Quote:
“Reading all of the essays is powerful and rewarding.”
— Narrator [Timestamp not specified]
17. Conclusion and Invitation to Book Club
Overview:
The episode concludes with an invitation to join the Hardcore Literature Book Club, highlighting the benefits of community discussions and deep literary engagement.
Key Points:
- Access to extensive lectures and discussions on various literary masterpieces.
- Encouragement to participate in collective readings and share insights.
- Emphasis on the supportive and transformative nature of the book club community.
Notable Quote:
“Join us@patreon.com hardcore literature and remember to enter the essays like you're conversing with a friend.”
— Narrator [Timestamp 99:08]
Key Takeaways:
- Montaigne’s Transformation: Through personal tragedy and near-death experiences, Montaigne evolves to prioritize living fully over fearing death.
- Essays as Self-Examination: His essays serve as a medium for deep self-reflection, offering readers universal insights through personal narratives.
- Embrace of Contradictions: Accepting one’s multifaceted nature fosters empathy and a balanced perspective on life.
- Philosophical Legacy: Montaigne’s influence extends to literary giants like Shakespeare, underscoring his role in shaping modern thought.
- Practical Wisdom: Montaigne provides actionable advice on managing emotions, embracing authenticity, and living intentionally.
Recommended Essays:
- On Experience – A life-affirming exploration positioned as the culmination of his work.
- On Physiognomy – Delving into the nature of appearance and character.
- An Apology for Raymond Sebond – A profound defense intertwining theology and philosophy.
- To Philosophize is to Learn How to Die – Central to understanding his approach to mortality.
- On Restraining Your Will – Offers powerful life and mindset advice.
- On Practice – Insights into habitual actions and their impact.
- On Books – Reflects his passion for reading and literary critique.
- On Solitude – Explores the significance of personal reflection.
- On Anger – Provides strategies for emotional regulation.
- On the Art of Conversation – Enhances interpersonal communication skills.
Honorable Mentions:
Essays on the Inconstancy of Our Actions, Educating Children, Presumption, Cannibals, Cato the Younger, and On Democritus and Heraclitus.
Conclusion:
Benjamin McEvoy’s episode on Montaigne offers an in-depth exploration of Montaigne’s life, philosophy, and enduring literary legacy. By dissecting Montaigne’s essays, listeners gain valuable insights into mastering self-awareness, embracing life’s complexities, and cultivating meaningful relationships. The episode not only highlights Montaigne’s timeless wisdom but also invites listeners to embark on their own transformative reading journey through the Hardcore Literature Book Club.
Join the Conversation:
To further engage with Montaigne's essays and other literary masterpieces, consider joining the Hardcore Literature Book Club at patreon.com/hardcoreliterature. Enjoy access to extensive book discussions, lectures, and a community of fellow literature enthusiasts.
Listen to the full episode on your preferred podcast platform and immerse yourself in the profound world of Michel de Montaigne. Happy reading!