Essays of Michel De Montaigne — Volume 15

A philosophical essay collection that likely dates back to the late 16th century. It explores deep and often personal reflections on various aspects of human experience, focusing particularly on morality, societal norms, and individual introspection. In this volume, Montaigne presents an analysis of themes such as love, the nature of relationships, and the complexities of marriage, often drawing on classical references, personal anecdotes, and a questioning of societal values. The opening of this essay sets the stage for Montaigne's nuanced examination of age, wisdom, and the interplay between pleasure and philosophy. He articulates the challenges of growing older, expressing a desire to balance the weightiness of life's serious meditations with lighter, youthful thoughts. He reflects on the inherent difficulties of life, including emotional vulnerabilities and the societal expectations that surround love and marriage. Montaigne uses rich imagery and philosophical musings to advocate for a philosophical understanding of human frailty, suggesting a blend of pleasure with prudence, and he notably invokes classical authors to support his contemplations. The essay hints at a broader inquiry into how society's perceptions of love and marriage complicate personal desires and relationships, setting a reflective tone for the detailed discourse that follows.