Michel Eyquem de Montaigne, commonly known as Michel de Montaigne, was born on February 28, 1533, in the Château de Montaigne near Bordeaux, France. He is celebrated as one of the most influential writers of the French Renaissance, known for his significant contribution to the essay form. His work has had a profound impact on literature, philosophy, and the development of the modern essay.
Montaigne was the eldest of five children in a noble family. His father, Pierre Eyquem, was a prosperous merchant who had recently become a member of the French nobility. Michel's education was unconventional; his father hired a tutor who only spoke Latin, ensuring Montaigne's first language was Latin rather than French. This unique approach to education was part of a broader humanist movement that emphasized classical learning.
After studying law at the College de Guyenne, Montaigne entered public service, serving as a counselor in the Parlement de Bordeaux from 1557 to 1570. His career in public life was marked by his moderation during the tumultuous times of the Wars of Religion in France.
In 1571, Montaigne retired to his château to reflect on his life and write his famous Essais (Essays). The Essais are considered the origin of the modern essay, a literary form where the author explores his thoughts in a non-systematic, personal manner. Montaigne's writing is characterized by:
His work influenced many subsequent philosophers and writers, including Francis Bacon, René Descartes, and Ralph Waldo Emerson. Montaigne's philosophy was one of skepticism, advocating for an acceptance of human imperfection and the importance of personal experience over abstract theories.
Montaigne served as mayor of Bordeaux from 1581 to 1585, during which he continued to write and revise his essays. His health began to decline, and he died on September 13, 1592. Despite his death, his influence continued to grow. His Essais were translated into multiple languages and his thoughts on education, politics, and philosophy are still studied today.