Summary
Montaigne tackles a seemingly simple question: why do we wear clothes? He argues that humans are naturally equipped to handle weather just like other animals, but we've become dependent on artificial coverings through custom, not necessity. He points to indigenous peoples who live comfortably naked in cold climates, and shares stories of historical figures like Caesar and Hannibal who thrived with minimal clothing in harsh conditions. The essay reveals how much of what we consider 'necessary' is actually just habit. Montaigne observes that a beggar in winter, when asked how he stays warm in just a shirt, replies 'I am all face' - suggesting our tolerance for discomfort is largely mental. The chapter challenges readers to examine their own assumptions about what they truly need versus what they've been conditioned to want. Through examples ranging from ancient warriors to contemporary rulers, Montaigne demonstrates that human adaptability far exceeds what modern comfort has led us to believe. This isn't just about clothing - it's about recognizing how custom can make us weaker and more dependent than nature intended, and how questioning social norms can reveal our hidden strengths.
Coming Up in Chapter 36
From examining our relationship with physical comfort, Montaigne turns to one of history's most principled figures. Cato the Younger's unwavering moral stance offers lessons about integrity in a world of compromise.
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An excerpt from the original text.(~500 words)
OF THE CUSTOM OF WEARING CLOTHES Whatever I shall say upon this subject, I am of necessity to invade some of the bounds of custom, so careful has she been to shut up all the avenues. I was disputing with myself in this shivering season, whether the fashion of going naked in those nations lately discovered is imposed upon them by the hot temperature of the air, as we say of the Indians and Moors, or whether it be the original fashion of mankind. Men of understanding, forasmuch as all things under the sun, as the Holy Writ declares, are subject to the same laws, were wont in such considerations as these, where we are to distinguish the natural laws from those which have been imposed by man’s invention, to have recourse to the general polity of the world, where there can be nothing counterfeit. Now, all other creatures being sufficiently furnished with all things necessary for the support of their being--[Montaigne’s expression is, “with needle and thread.”--W.C.H.]--it is not to be imagined that we only are brought into the world in a defective and indigent condition, and in such a state as cannot subsist without external aid. Therefore it is that I believe, that as plants, trees, and animals, and all things that have life, are seen to be by nature sufficiently clothed and covered, to defend them from the injuries of weather: “Proptereaque fere res omnes ant corio sunt, Aut seta, ant conchis, ant callo, ant cortice tectae,” [“And that for this reason nearly all things are clothed with skin, or hair, or shells, or bark, or some such thing.” --Lucretius, iv. 936.] so were we: but as those who by artificial light put out that of day, so we by borrowed forms and fashions have destroyed our own. And ‘tis plain enough to be seen, that ‘tis custom only which renders that impossible that otherwise is nothing so; for of those nations who have no manner of knowledge of clothing, some are situated under the same temperature that we are, and some in much colder climates. And besides, our most tender parts are always exposed to the air, as the eyes, mouth, nose, and ears; and our country labourers, like our ancestors in former times, go with their breasts and bellies open. Had we been born with a necessity upon us of wearing petticoats and breeches, there is no doubt but nature would have fortified those parts she intended should be exposed to the fury of the seasons with a thicker skin, as she has done the finger-ends and the soles of the feet. And why should this seem hard to believe? I observe much greater distance betwixt my habit and that of one of our country boors, than betwixt his and that of a man who has no other covering but his skin. How many men, especially in Turkey, go naked upon the account of devotion? Some one asked a beggar, whom he saw in his...
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Intelligence Amplifier™ Analysis
The Road of Artificial Need - How Custom Creates Dependency
Custom gradually transforms conveniences into perceived necessities, weakening our natural resilience and creating dependency on things we could easily live without.
Why This Matters
Connect literature to life
This chapter teaches how to recognize when comfort has become dependency and artificial needs feel genuinely essential.
Practice This Today
This week, notice when you say 'I need' something - then ask what humans did for thousands of years without it, and try going without for a day.
Now let's explore the literary elements.
Terms to Know
Custom
Montaigne's word for social habits and traditions that we follow without questioning. He argues that custom is so powerful it makes us think artificial things are natural necessities.
Modern Usage:
When we assume we 'need' the latest phone upgrade or feel naked without makeup, that's custom making us dependent on things our ancestors lived without.
Natural law vs. human invention
Montaigne distinguishes between what nature actually requires for survival versus what human society has decided is necessary. He looks to animals and indigenous peoples to see the difference.
Modern Usage:
This shows up when we realize most of our 'needs' are actually wants created by advertising and social pressure.
Hardening
The process of gradually building tolerance to discomfort through exposure. Montaigne believes humans naturally have this ability but custom makes us soft.
Modern Usage:
Like how people who work outside year-round handle cold better than office workers, or how some people can sleep anywhere while others need perfect conditions.
Indigenous peoples as examples
Montaigne uses recently discovered peoples who live naked in cold climates to prove that clothing isn't a natural necessity but a cultural choice.
Modern Usage:
Today we might point to people who live minimally or off-grid to show that many modern conveniences aren't actually necessary.
Philosophical skepticism
Montaigne's method of questioning assumptions that everyone takes for granted. He examines even basic things like clothing to see what's really true versus what's just habit.
Modern Usage:
This is like asking why we work 40-hour weeks or why we need to own homes instead of rent - questioning the 'obvious' rules of society.
Adaptation
The human ability to adjust to different conditions over time. Montaigne argues we're more adaptable than we think, but comfort makes us forget this.
Modern Usage:
Seen when people adjust to new climates, economic situations, or lifestyle changes they thought would be impossible.
Characters in This Chapter
Caesar
Historical example
Montaigne mentions Caesar as someone who lived with minimal clothing in harsh conditions yet remained strong and effective. Used to prove that great leaders don't need luxury to function.
Modern Equivalent:
The successful entrepreneur who still drives an old car and lives simply
Hannibal
Historical example
Another military leader who thrived in extreme conditions without the comforts his soldiers might have wanted. Demonstrates that toughness comes from practice, not gear.
Modern Equivalent:
The tough coach who makes athletes train in all weather while staying strong themselves
The beggar
Wisdom figure
When asked how he stays warm wearing only a shirt in winter, he replies 'I am all face' - meaning his whole body has adapted like his face has. Represents practical wisdom about adaptation.
Modern Equivalent:
The homeless person who knows survival tricks that comfortable people never learned
Indigenous peoples
Natural examples
Recently discovered peoples who live naked in cold climates, proving that human adaptation is stronger than European custom assumes. They represent humanity's natural state.
Modern Equivalent:
People who live off-grid or minimally, showing that most modern conveniences aren't actually necessary
Key Quotes & Analysis
"I am all face"
Context: When asked how he stays warm in winter wearing only a shirt
This simple response reveals profound truth about human adaptation. The beggar's whole body has become as tolerant of cold as his face, which is always exposed. It shows that what we think are limits are often just lack of practice.
In Today's Words:
My whole body got used to it, just like my face did
"All other creatures being sufficiently furnished with all things necessary for the support of their being"
Context: Arguing that humans, like animals, are naturally equipped for survival
Montaigne challenges the idea that humans are uniquely helpless in nature. He suggests we've made ourselves dependent on artificial aids that other creatures don't need, weakening our natural abilities.
In Today's Words:
Every other animal can survive just fine with what nature gave them
"Custom is so careful to shut up all the avenues"
Context: Opening the essay about how hard it is to question social norms
This reveals how social customs work - they make alternatives seem impossible or unthinkable. Custom doesn't just tell us what to do; it makes us unable to imagine doing anything else.
In Today's Words:
Social pressure makes it almost impossible to think outside the box
Thematic Threads
Class
In This Chapter
Montaigne contrasts pampered nobles with hardy peasants and indigenous peoples, showing how wealth often weakens rather than strengthens
Development
Builds on earlier themes about how social position shapes perception of reality
In Your Life:
You might notice how financial stress actually builds resilience while comfort can make you fragile
Social Expectations
In This Chapter
Society dictates what clothing is 'necessary,' creating artificial standards that seem natural but are purely cultural
Development
Deepens the exploration of how group pressure shapes individual behavior
In Your Life:
You might catch yourself buying things because 'everyone has one' rather than because you actually need them
Identity
In This Chapter
Our clothing and possessions become extensions of who we think we are, making us dependent on external things for internal stability
Development
Continues examining how we construct self-image through external markers
In Your Life:
You might realize how much of your self-worth is tied to things you own rather than who you are
Personal Growth
In This Chapter
True strength comes from deliberately practicing discomfort and questioning assumed needs rather than accumulating more comforts
Development
Reinforces the theme that growth requires challenging our assumptions about what we need
In Your Life:
You might start viewing inconveniences as opportunities to build resilience rather than problems to avoid
Human Relationships
In This Chapter
The beggar's simple wisdom about being 'all face' shows how honest self-knowledge trumps social pretensions
Development
Continues exploring how authentic connection requires dropping artificial barriers
In Your Life:
You might find that admitting your struggles creates deeper bonds than pretending everything is perfect
You now have the context. Time to form your own thoughts.
Discussion Questions
- 1
According to Montaigne, what's the difference between what humans actually need to survive and what we think we need?
analysis • surface - 2
Why does the beggar's response 'I am all face' reveal something important about how our bodies actually work?
analysis • medium - 3
What's one thing in your daily life that you consider absolutely necessary, but your grandparents probably lived without just fine?
application • medium - 4
How could someone deliberately practice small discomforts to build resilience without making themselves miserable?
application • deep - 5
What does this essay suggest about the relationship between comfort and strength in human nature?
reflection • deep
Critical Thinking Exercise
Map Your Necessity vs. Habit
Make two lists: things you believe you absolutely need to function day-to-day, and things your great-grandparents lived without completely. Look for overlap between the lists. Pick one item that appears on both and spend this week experimenting with going without it occasionally. Notice the difference between actual physical need and mental discomfort.
Consider:
- •Start with something small and safe - not medication or truly essential items
- •Pay attention to the stories you tell yourself about why you 'need' certain things
- •Notice how quickly your body and mind adapt when you remove a comfort
Journaling Prompt
Write about a time when you had to go without something you thought was essential. How did you adapt, and what did you discover about your own resilience?
Coming Up Next...
Chapter 36: Don't Judge Others By Your Own Standards
As the story unfolds, you'll explore to appreciate people who are different from you without feeling threatened, while uncovering true virtue comes from internal motivation, not external rewards. These lessons connect the classic to contemporary challenges we all face.