An excerpt from the original text.(complete · 853 words)
OF SUMPTUARY LAWS
The way by which our laws attempt to regulate idle and vain expenses in
meat and clothes, seems to be quite contrary to the end designed. The
true way would be to beget in men a contempt of silks and gold, as vain,
frivolous, and useless; whereas we augment to them the honours, and
enhance the value of such things, which, sure, is a very improper way to
create a disgust. For to enact that none but princes shall eat turbot,
shall wear velvet or gold lace, and interdict these things to the people,
what is it but to bring them into a greater esteem, and to set every one
more agog to eat and wear them? Let kings leave off these ensigns of
grandeur; they have others enough besides; those excesses are more
excusable in any other than a prince. We may learn by the example of
several nations better ways of exterior distinction of quality (which,
truly, I conceive to be very requisite in a state) enough, without
fostering to this purpose such corruption and manifest inconvenience.
‘Tis strange how suddenly and with how much ease custom in these
indifferent things establishes itself and becomes authority. We had
scarce worn cloth a year, in compliance with the court, for the mourning
of Henry II., but that silks were already grown into such contempt with
every one, that a man so clad was presently concluded a citizen: silks
were divided betwixt the physicians and surgeons, and though all other
people almost went in the same habit, there was, notwithstanding, in one
thing or other, sufficient distinction of the several conditions of men.
How suddenly do greasy chamois and linen doublets become the fashion in
our armies, whilst all neatness and richness of habit fall into contempt?
Let kings but lead the dance and begin to leave off this expense, and in
a month the business will be done throughout the kingdom, without edict
or ordinance; we shall all follow. It should be rather proclaimed, on
the contrary, that no one should wear scarlet or goldsmiths’ work but
courtesans and tumblers.
Zeleucus by the like invention reclaimed the corrupted manners of the
Locrians. His laws were, that no free woman should be allowed any more
than one maid to follow her, unless she was drunk: nor was to stir out of
the city by night, wear jewels of gold about her, or go in an embroidered
robe, unless she was a professed and public prostitute; that, bravos
excepted, no man was to wear a gold ring, nor be seen in one of those
effeminate robes woven in the city of Miletus. By which infamous
exceptions he discreetly diverted his citizens from superfluities and
pernicious pleasures, and it was a project of great utility to attract
then by honour and ambition to their duty and obedience.
Our kings can do what they please in such external reformations; their
own inclination stands in this case for a law:
“Quicquid principes faciunt, praecipere videntur.”
[“What princes themselves do, they seem to prescribe.”
--Quintil., Declam., 3.]
Whatever is done at court passes for a rule through the rest of France.
Let the courtiers fall out with these abominable breeches, that discover
so much of those parts should be concealed; these great bellied doublets,
that make us look like I know not what, and are so unfit to admit of
arms; these long effeminate locks of hair; this foolish custom of kissing
what we present to our equals, and our hands in saluting them, a ceremony
in former times only due to princes. Let them not permit that a
gentleman shall appear in place of respect without his sword, unbuttoned
and untrussed, as though he came from the house of office; and that,
contrary to the custom of our forefathers and the particular privilege of
the nobles of this kingdom, we stand a long time bare to them in what
place soever, and the same to a hundred others, so many tiercelets and
quartelets of kings we have got nowadays and other like vicious
innovations: they will see them all presently vanish and cried down.
These are, ‘tis true, but superficial errors; but they are of ill augury,
and enough to inform us that the whole fabric is crazy and tottering,
when we see the roughcast of our walls to cleave and split.
Plato in his Laws esteems nothing of more pestiferous consequence to his
city than to give young men the liberty of introducing any change in
their habits, gestures, dances, songs, and exercises, from one form to
another; shifting from this to that, hunting after novelties, and
applauding the inventors; by which means manners are corrupted and the
old institutions come to be nauseated and despised. In all things,
saving only in those that are evil, a change is to be feared; even the
change of seasons, winds, viands, and humours. And no laws are in their
true credit, but such to which God has given so long a continuance that
no one knows their beginning, or that there ever was any other.
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Let's Analyse the Pattern
The more forcefully you ban something, the more desirable and powerful it becomes to those who are forbidden from having it.
Why This Matters
Connect literature to life
This chapter teaches how to recognize when restrictions accidentally increase desire for the forbidden thing.
Practice This Today
This week, notice when someone's 'no' makes you want something more—then ask yourself if you actually wanted it before they said you couldn't have it.
Now let's explore the literary elements.
Key Quotes & Analysis
"The true way would be to beget in men a contempt of silks and gold, as vain, frivolous, and useless; whereas we augment to them the honours, and enhance the value of such things"
Context: Explaining why sumptuary laws backfire by making forbidden items more desirable
This reveals Montaigne's deep understanding of human psychology. He sees that prohibition creates desire rather than eliminating it. The key insight is that changing attitudes works better than changing laws, but most authorities try to force compliance rather than influence minds.
In Today's Words:
If you want people to stop wanting expensive stuff, make them think it's tacky—don't make it illegal, because that just makes everyone want it more.
"Let kings leave off these ensigns of grandeur; they have others enough besides; those excesses are more excusable in any other than a prince"
Context: Arguing that leaders should model simple living rather than enforce it on others
Montaigne challenges the assumption that leaders need luxury to maintain authority. He suggests that true power comes from moral influence, not material display. This is radical thinking for his time, when royal magnificence was considered essential to political stability.
In Today's Words:
Rich and powerful people should stop showing off their wealth—they have plenty of other ways to prove they're important, and it's worse when they do it than when regular people do.
"'Tis strange how suddenly and with how much ease custom in these indifferent things establishes itself and becomes authority"
Context: Observing how quickly the mourning cloth became the new fashion standard
This quote captures Montaigne's fascination with how arbitrary social conventions become ironclad rules almost overnight. He's showing us that what we think of as natural or permanent social order is actually fragile and changeable, which should make us question other assumptions about 'how things must be.'
In Today's Words:
It's crazy how fast something totally random can become 'the way things are done' and suddenly everyone acts like it's always been that way.
Thematic Threads
Class
In This Chapter
Montaigne shows how sumptuary laws meant to preserve class distinctions actually blur them by making luxury items symbols of rebellion and aspiration
Development
Building on earlier discussions of social hierarchy, now examining how class boundaries are enforced and undermined
In Your Life:
You might recognize this when designer knockoffs become popular specifically because the originals are 'only for rich people.'
Social Expectations
In This Chapter
The chapter reveals how social norms are more effectively shaped by influence and example than by rules and punishment
Development
Expanding from personal behavior expectations to societal norm-setting mechanisms
In Your Life:
You see this when peer pressure works better than official policies at your workplace or in your family.
Identity
In This Chapter
Montaigne explores how people use forbidden objects and behaviors to signal their identity and aspirations
Development
Deepening the theme of how external markers shape internal sense of self
In Your Life:
You might notice this when you want something more because it represents who you wish you could be.
Human Relationships
In This Chapter
The essay examines the relationship between authority and subjects, showing how control attempts can backfire and damage trust
Development
Extending relationship dynamics beyond personal bonds to include power structures
In Your Life:
You experience this when someone tries to control your choices and it makes you want to resist them even more.
Personal Growth
In This Chapter
Montaigne suggests that understanding human psychology leads to more effective influence and better outcomes
Development
Continuing the theme of self-knowledge as a tool for navigating the world more skillfully
In Your Life:
You grow when you learn to influence through example and curiosity rather than commands and criticism.
You now have the context. Time to form your own thoughts.
Discussion Questions
- 1
According to Montaigne, what happens when governments try to ban luxury items to stop people from overspending?
analysis • surface - 2
Why does making something 'forbidden' actually increase people's desire for it, rather than reducing it?
analysis • medium - 3
Where do you see this 'forbidden fruit' pattern playing out in your workplace, family, or community today?
application • medium - 4
Think of a situation where you need someone to change their behavior. How could you use influence instead of rules or threats?
application • deep - 5
What does Montaigne's insight about luxury laws reveal about the difference between authority and influence in human relationships?
reflection • deep
Critical Thinking Exercise
Flip the Script: From Prohibition to Influence
Think of a current situation where someone is trying to control behavior through rules, restrictions, or threats (at work, home, or in your community). Write down what they're trying to prevent and why it's not working. Then redesign the approach using influence instead of prohibition—how could they make the desired behavior look appealing or high-status?
Consider:
- •What makes the forbidden behavior attractive to people right now?
- •Who do the rule-breakers look up to or want to impress?
- •How could you make following the rules feel like joining the 'cool crowd' instead of giving up freedom?
Journaling Prompt
Write about a time when someone tried to control your behavior through rules or threats. How did it make you feel? Now write about a time when someone influenced you to change by making you want to change. What was the difference in how you responded?
Coming Up Next...
Chapter 44: Sleep as a Measure of Character
After examining how we display ourselves to the world, Montaigne turns inward to explore one of life's most mysterious daily experiences—sleep and the strange world of dreams that visits us each night.
