Montaigne

Exploring the philosophical depth of Montaigne's Essays, Pierre Manent highlights the subtle unity and radical ideas within the text. By comparing Montaigne to modern thinkers like Machiavelli and Rousseau, he examines the implications of a life devoid of state influence, a question pertinent to today's society. Manent emphasizes Montaigne's insights into the human condition, particularly his reinterpretations of virtue, pleasure, and mortality, ultimately presenting a new model for thoughtful living that underscores Montaigne's significance in modern philosophy.