Michel de Montaigne, philosopher of the Renaissance: biography, works

The writer, philosopher and educator Michel de Montaigne lived in an era when the Renaissance was already coming to an end and the Reformation began. He was born in February 1533, in the locality of Dordogne (France). Both the life and works of the thinker are a kind of reflection of this "middle" period, intertemporal. And some views of this amazing person bring him closer to the modern era. It is not for nothing that the historians of philosophy argue about whether it should not be attributed to the New Age such an original as Michel de Montaigne.

Biography

Initially, the family of the future philosopher was merchant. His father, a German who did not even speak French, was called Pierre Eyckam. The mother, Antoinette de Lopez, was from a family of refugees from the Spanish province of Aragon - they left these places during the persecution of Jews. But Michel's father made a wonderful career, and even became mayor of Bordeaux. This city later played a huge role in the life of the philosopher. For outstanding services to Bordeaux, Pierre Eykem was introduced to the nobility, and since he owned the land of Montaigne and the castle, a corresponding prefix was made to his surname. Michelle himself was born in the castle. The father managed to give his son the best home education that was only possible at that time. He even spoke to Michel in the family only in Latin, so that the boy would not relax.

Career

So, the future philosopher went to college in Bordeaux, and then became a lawyer. From a young age, his impressionable imagination hit the atrocities that people were capable of for the sake of religion. Perhaps, therefore, during the Huguenot Wars in France, he tried to mediate between the struggling parties. At least his sincerity has borne fruit, and to his opinion the leaders of both Catholics and Protestants listened. About him, too, could be said in verse: "And I stand alone between them ...". He was also known as a practicing judge trying to conclude amicable agreements. But in 1565 he married, and the bride brought him a great dowry. And three years later his father died, leaving his son a family estate. Now Michel de Montaigne had enough money to pursue his hobbies and not work. So he did, profiting by selling his judicial position.

Philosophy

After retiring at 38, Michel finally gave himself to his favorite business. In the estate he wrote his most famous book - "Experiments". After the publication of the first two volumes of labor in 1580, the philosopher went to travel and visited several European countries - Italy, Germany, Switzerland. Like his father, he was twice elected mayor of Bordeaux. The city was pleased with the rule of Montaigne, although the philosopher was at this time far from France. He also wrote diaries and travel notes. He lived modestly and died at the age of fifty-nine, in 1592, right in the church, while serving in his native castle. The philosopher wrote his works not only in French and Latin, but also in Italian and Occitan.

Work of all life

The main work of Montaigne is an essay. Strictly speaking, the genre itself appeared thanks to the philosopher. After all, translating the word "essay" from French means "experience". His book is not like those that were popular in the Renaissance. This is not a strict scientific or philosophical treatise. It has no plan, no structure. These are reflections and impressions of life, a collection of quotations, a well of living speech. It can be said that Michel de Montaigne simply sincerely stated his thoughts and observations as God will put his soul. But these notes were destined to survive centuries.

«Experiments». Summary

The essay of Montaigne is something between meditation and confession. The book has a lot of personal, what he admits to others. At the same time, analyzing himself, Michel de Montaigne tries to understand the nature of the human spirit as such. He exposes himself to see others. Montaigne is a kind of skeptic, disappointed in humanity and his ideas, as well as in the possibilities of cognition. He tries to justify a reasonable egoism and a desire for happiness, relying on the Stoics. At the same time, the philosopher criticizes both contemporary Catholic scholasticism and skepticism, which casts doubt on all virtues.

Are there real ideals?

Philosophers around the world obey the authorities, - argues Montaigne. They rely on Thomas Aquinas, Augustine, Aristotle and so on. But these authorities can also be wrong. The same can be said about our own opinion. In some ways it is true, but it can not be an authority for others. Simply, we must always understand that our knowledge is limited. The philosopher Michel de Montaigne swung not only to the authorities of the past, but also to the ideals of the present. He critically examines the question of virtues, altruism and moral principles in general. Montaigne believes that all these are slogans that the powers that be used to manipulate people. A person should live free and dignified, as he wants, to have fun. Then he will love others. Then he will show his courage, incompatible with anger, fear and humiliation.

God and Philosophy

Montaigne clearly defined himself as an agnostic. "I can not say anything about God, I do not have such experience," he told his readers, and if so, in life one should first of all be guided by one's own mind. Those who say that their opinion is the best, moreover, Try to force others to obey oneself, do not deserve respect, so it's better to avoid fanaticism and equalize all religions in philosophy.Philosophy should encourage a person to lead a good life and follow good customs rather than being a vault of the dead and incomprehensible to most of the rules.Then a person will learn to live in reality. By noon Yam should be treated "philosophically," if you can not change the situation, and to suffer less, you need to come to a state of mind when pleasure is felt more strongly and pain is weaker.Every state should be respected not because it is ideal, but because Any change of power will inevitably lead to even greater problems. "

Montaigne also devoted much thought to the upbringing of a new generation. In this area he followed all the ideals of the Renaissance. A person should not be a narrow specialist, but a versatile person, and certainly not a fanatic. In this, Michel de Montaigne was absolutely unshakable. Pedagogy, from his point of view, is the art of developing in the child a strong will and a firm character that allows one to persevere with the vicissitudes of fate and get maximum pleasure. Montaigne's ideas not only liked contemporaries, but were inspired by later generations. Such thinkers and writers as Pascal, Descartes, Voltaire, Rousseau, Bossuet, Pushkin and Tolstoy, use his ideas, argue with him or agree. Until now, Montaigne's reasoning has not lost its popularity.