Summary
Montaigne cuts through the romantic fantasy of escaping to the countryside to find peace. True solitude isn't about geography - it's about the mind. He argues that most people who retreat from public life are still mentally enslaved by the very things they're trying to escape: ambition, reputation, the need for others' approval. Simply changing locations won't cure what ails you because 'you take yourself along with you.' The real work is internal: learning to be complete within yourself, independent of external validation or circumstances. Montaigne shares stories of philosophers who lost everything - homes, families, possessions - yet remained unshaken because their true wealth was internal and untouchable. He advocates for creating what he calls a 'backshop' of the mind - a private space within yourself where you can retreat regardless of external chaos. This isn't about becoming antisocial, but about developing the inner resources to engage with the world from a place of strength rather than need. The chapter serves as both a practical guide for anyone feeling overwhelmed by modern life's demands and a philosophical exploration of what it means to be truly free. Montaigne's wisdom feels remarkably contemporary: in our hyperconnected age, the ability to find genuine solitude - not just physical quiet, but mental peace - has become more valuable than ever.
Coming Up in Chapter 39
From the sanctuary of solitude, Montaigne turns his analytical eye to one of history's greatest orators and politicians. His examination of Cicero reveals uncomfortable truths about the gap between public reputation and private character.
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An excerpt from the original text.(~500 words)
OF SOLITUDE Let us pretermit that long comparison betwixt the active and the solitary life; and as for the fine sayings with which ambition and avarice palliate their vices, that we are not born for ourselves but for the public,--[This is the eulogium passed by Lucan on Cato of Utica, ii. 383.]--let us boldly appeal to those who are in public affairs; let them lay their hands upon their hearts, and then say whether, on the contrary, they do not rather aspire to titles and offices and that tumult of the world to make their private advantage at the public expense. The corrupt ways by which in this our time they arrive at the height to which their ambitions aspire, manifestly enough declares that their ends cannot be very good. Let us tell ambition that it is she herself who gives us a taste of solitude; for what does she so much avoid as society? What does she so much seek as elbowroom? A man many do well or ill everywhere; but if what Bias says be true, that the greatest part is the worse part, or what the Preacher says: there is not one good of a thousand: “Rari quippe boni: numero vix sunt totidem quot Thebarum portae, vel divitis ostia Nili,” [“Good men forsooth are scarce: there are hardly as many as there are gates of Thebes or mouths of the rich Nile.” --Juvenal, Sat., xiii. 26.] the contagion is very dangerous in the crowd. A man must either imitate the vicious or hate them both are dangerous things, either to resemble them because they are many or to hate many because they are unresembling to ourselves. Merchants who go to sea are in the right when they are cautious that those who embark with them in the same bottom be neither dissolute blasphemers nor vicious other ways, looking upon such society as unfortunate. And therefore it was that Bias pleasantly said to some, who being with him in a dangerous storm implored the assistance of the gods: “Peace, speak softly,” said he, “that they may not know you are here in my company.”--[Diogenes Laertius]--And of more pressing example, Albuquerque, viceroy in the Indies for Emmanuel, king of Portugal, in an extreme peril of shipwreck, took a young boy upon his shoulders, for this only end that, in the society of their common danger his innocence might serve to protect him, and to recommend him to the divine favour, that they might get safe to shore. ‘Tis not that a wise man may not live everywhere content, and be alone in the very crowd of a palace; but if it be left to his own choice, the schoolman will tell you that he should fly the very sight of the crowd: he will endure it if need be; but if it be referred to him, he will choose to be alone. He cannot think himself sufficiently rid of vice, if he must yet contend with it in other...
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Intelligence Amplifier™ Analysis
The Road of False Escape
The belief that changing external circumstances will solve internal problems, leading to repeated disappointment and continued searching.
Why This Matters
Connect literature to life
This chapter teaches how to identify when we're blaming circumstances for problems that actually originate in our own minds and habits.
Practice This Today
This week, notice when you catch yourself thinking 'If only I could get away from...' and ask instead: 'What am I trying to escape within myself?'
Now let's explore the literary elements.
Terms to Know
Solitude vs. Isolation
Montaigne distinguishes between true solitude (inner peace and self-sufficiency) and mere isolation (physical withdrawal that doesn't address mental chaos). Real solitude is a state of mind where you're complete within yourself, not dependent on others for validation or happiness.
Modern Usage:
Think about people who seem lonely even in crowds versus those who are genuinely content being alone - it's about internal resources, not external circumstances.
The Backshop of the Mind
Montaigne's metaphor for creating a private mental space - like a back room in a shop - where you can retreat and find peace regardless of external chaos. This inner sanctuary is yours alone and can't be touched by outside forces.
Modern Usage:
Like having a mental safe space you can access during stressful meetings, family drama, or overwhelming situations - your internal refuge.
Stoic Philosophy
An ancient philosophy emphasizing inner strength and emotional resilience. Stoics believed true wealth and security come from within, not from external possessions or circumstances that can be lost.
Modern Usage:
People who stay calm during crises, focus on what they can control, and don't let setbacks destroy their peace of mind are practicing Stoic principles.
Ambition's Paradox
Montaigne observes that ambitious people claim to serve the public good, but actually seek power and status for personal gain. They're enslaved by the very things they think will free them.
Modern Usage:
Politicians or executives who say they're helping others but are really building their own brand and wealth - the hustle culture that promises freedom but delivers burnout.
Mental Contagion
The idea that being around corrupt or negative people influences your own thinking and behavior. Montaigne warns that crowds often bring out the worst in people through social pressure and groupthink.
Modern Usage:
How toxic workplaces, negative friend groups, or social media echo chambers can gradually change your values and mindset without you realizing it.
True vs. False Retreat
Montaigne argues that simply changing locations or circumstances won't solve internal problems. A false retreat is running away; a true retreat is developing inner resources that work anywhere.
Modern Usage:
People who think a new job, relationship, or city will fix their problems, when the real work is internal - 'wherever you go, there you are.'
Characters in This Chapter
Montaigne (the narrator)
Philosophical guide and observer
Serves as both teacher and fellow traveler, sharing his own struggles with finding genuine peace. He admits his own contradictions and ongoing journey toward true solitude, making his wisdom feel earned rather than theoretical.
Modern Equivalent:
The wise coworker who's been through it all and shares real talk about life, not just motivational quotes
Bias
Ancient authority figure
One of the Seven Sages of Greece, quoted by Montaigne to support the idea that most people are corrupted by society. His wisdom provides historical backing for Montaigne's arguments about human nature.
Modern Equivalent:
The experienced mentor who's seen enough to know that most people will disappoint you
Cato of Utica
Stoic exemplar
Roman politician known for his integrity and commitment to principle over personal gain. Montaigne uses him as an example of someone who truly served the public good rather than using public service for personal advancement.
Modern Equivalent:
The rare politician or leader who actually means what they say and can't be bought or corrupted
The Ambitious
Negative examples
Montaigne's collective term for people who claim to serve others but really seek power and status. They represent the opposite of true solitude - people enslaved by external validation and material success.
Modern Equivalent:
Influencers, politicians, and executives who preach service while building their personal brand
Key Quotes & Analysis
"We must reserve a back shop all our own, entirely free, in which to establish our real liberty and our principal retreat and solitude."
Context: Explaining how to create genuine inner peace regardless of external circumstances
This is Montaigne's core insight - that true freedom comes from having an internal space that belongs only to you. No one can take away this mental sanctuary, making it more valuable than any external possession or achievement.
In Today's Words:
You need to create a private mental space that's completely yours - your real safe place that no one else can touch or control.
"The greatest thing in the world is to know how to belong to oneself."
Context: Summarizing the ultimate goal of true solitude and self-knowledge
This captures the entire chapter's message about independence and self-sufficiency. It's not about being antisocial, but about being so secure in yourself that you can engage with others from strength rather than need.
In Today's Words:
The most important skill you can develop is being comfortable with yourself and not needing other people's approval to feel okay.
"A man may do well or ill everywhere; but if the greater part is the worse part, the contagion is very dangerous in the crowd."
Context: Warning about how being around corrupt or negative people influences your own behavior
Montaigne recognizes that environment matters and that most people will pull you down rather than lift you up. This isn't pessimistic but realistic - understanding this helps you choose your influences more carefully.
In Today's Words:
You can be a good person anywhere, but since most people make bad choices, hanging around crowds will probably make you worse too.
Thematic Threads
Identity
In This Chapter
True identity must be independent of external circumstances and others' opinions
Development
Deepens earlier themes about authentic self-knowledge versus social performance
In Your Life:
You might recognize this when you feel like you need to move, quit, or escape to 'find yourself.'
Personal Growth
In This Chapter
Real growth happens internally through developing self-sufficiency and mental discipline
Development
Builds on previous chapters about learning from experience and self-examination
In Your Life:
This appears when you realize no external change will fix your internal restlessness.
Social Expectations
In This Chapter
The pressure to seek validation and approval follows us everywhere we go
Development
Continues exploration of how social pressures shape our choices and self-perception
In Your Life:
You see this when you change jobs or relationships but find yourself playing the same people-pleasing games.
Class
In This Chapter
True wealth is internal resources that can't be taken away by external circumstances
Development
Expands on earlier themes about what constitutes real versus superficial status
In Your Life:
This shows up when you realize your peace of mind isn't dependent on your paycheck or zip code.
Human Relationships
In This Chapter
Healthy relationships require being complete within yourself first, not seeking others to fill internal voids
Development
Builds toward understanding how self-sufficiency actually improves connections with others
In Your Life:
You experience this when you stop expecting others to make you happy and start bringing contentment to relationships.
You now have the context. Time to form your own thoughts.
Discussion Questions
- 1
According to Montaigne, why doesn't simply moving to the countryside or changing locations solve our problems?
analysis • surface - 2
What does Montaigne mean when he says we need to create a 'backshop' of the mind, and why is this more valuable than physical solitude?
analysis • medium - 3
Think about someone you know who made a big life change hoping it would fix their problems. What patterns from their old life showed up in their new situation?
application • medium - 4
When you feel overwhelmed or dissatisfied, how can you tell the difference between needing to change your circumstances versus needing to change your internal response?
application • deep - 5
What does this chapter reveal about the difference between running away from problems and genuinely solving them?
reflection • deep
Critical Thinking Exercise
Build Your Mental Backshop
Think of a current situation that's making you want to escape or make a major change. Write down what you're trying to get away from, then identify three internal resources or skills you could develop that would help you handle this situation differently, regardless of whether you stay or go. This isn't about talking yourself out of change, but about building strength before making decisions.
Consider:
- •What specific emotions or thoughts are driving your desire to escape?
- •Which of your reactions to this situation have you seen in other areas of your life?
- •What would it look like to feel genuinely content in your current circumstances before deciding whether to change them?
Journaling Prompt
Write about a time when you made a big change hoping it would solve a problem, only to find the same issues in your new situation. What did you learn about yourself from that experience?
Coming Up Next...
Chapter 39: When Leaders Chase the Wrong Glory
Moving forward, we'll examine focusing on impressive but irrelevant skills can undermine your authority, and understand to recognize when praise is actually criticism in disguise. These insights bridge the gap between classic literature and modern experience.