Ideas from 'III.10 On Restraining your Will' by Michel de Montaigne [1580], by Theme Structure
[found in 'The Complete Essays' by Montaigne,Michel de (ed/tr Screech,M.A.) [Penguin 1987,0-14-044604-4]].
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23. Ethics / C. Virtue Theory / 2. Elements of Virtue Theory / c. Motivation for virtue
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20482
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Virtue inspires Stoics, but I want a good temperament
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Full Idea:
What Stoics did from virtue I teach myself to do from temperament.
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From:
Michel de Montaigne (III.10 On Restraining your Will [1580], p.1153)
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A reaction:
I take this to be an Aristotelian criticism of Stoicism. They venerate virtue above everything, but Aristotle says you must integrate virtue into your very being, so that right actions flow from you, with very little need for premeditation.
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23. Ethics / C. Virtue Theory / 2. Elements of Virtue Theory / e. Character
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20480
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There is not much point in only becoming good near the end of your life
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Full Idea:
It is almost better never to become a good man at all than to do so tardily, understanding how to live when you have no life left.
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From:
Michel de Montaigne (III.10 On Restraining your Will [1580], p.1142)
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A reaction:
A very nice perspective, which I don't recall Aristotle mentioning. It does, though, reinforce Aristotle's belief that early training is essential.
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25. Social Practice / A. Freedoms / 3. Free speech
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20481
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Nothing we say can be worse than unsaying it in the face of authority
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Full Idea:
Nothing which a gentleman says can seem worse than the shame of his unsaying it under duress from authority.
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From:
Michel de Montaigne (III.10 On Restraining your Will [1580], p.1153)
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A reaction:
The point is that you have to fight every day for free speech, because no matter what the law says, there are always people in power who want to shut you up.
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25. Social Practice / E. Policies / 1. War / c. Combatants
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20479
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People at home care far more than soldiers risking death about the outcome of wars
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Full Idea:
How many soldiers put themselves at risk every day in wars which they care little about, rushing into danger in battles the loss of which will not make them lose a night's sleep. Meanwhile a man at home is more passionate about the war than the soldier.
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From:
Michel de Montaigne (III.10 On Restraining your Will [1580], p.1139)
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A reaction:
It depends whether you are a mercenary (which the majority probably were in 1680), and what are the implications of defeat.
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