An excerpt from the original text.(complete · 512 words)
OF A SAYING OF CAESAR
If we would sometimes bestow a little consideration upon ourselves, and
employ the time we spend in prying into other men’s actions, and
discovering things without us, in examining our own abilities we should
soon perceive of how infirm and decaying material this fabric of ours is
composed. Is it not a singular testimony of imperfection that we cannot
establish our satisfaction in any one thing, and that even our own fancy
and desire should deprive us of the power to choose what is most proper
and useful for us? A very good proof of this is the great dispute that
has ever been amongst the philosophers, of finding out man’s sovereign
good, that continues yet, and will eternally continue, without solution
or accord:
“Dum abest quod avemus, id exsuperare videtur
Caetera; post aliud, quum contigit illud, avemus,
Et sitis aequa tenet.”
[“While that which we desire is wanting, it seems to surpass all the
rest; then, when we have got it, we want something else; ‘tis ever
the same thirst”--Lucretius, iii. 1095.]
Whatever it is that falls into our knowledge and possession, we find that
it satisfies not, and we still pant after things to come and unknown,
inasmuch as those present do not suffice for us; not that, in my
judgment, they have not in them wherewith to do it, but because we seize
them with an unruly and immoderate haste:
“Nam quum vidit hic, ad victum qux flagitat usus,
Et per quae possent vitam consistere tutam,
Omnia jam ferme mortalibus esse parata;
Divitiis homines, et honore, et laude potentes
Aflluere, atque bona natorum excellere fama;
Nec minus esse domi cuiquam tamen anxia corda,
Atque animi ingratis vitam vexare querelis
Causam, quae infestis cogit saevire querelis,
Intellegit ibi; vitium vas efficere ipsum,
Omniaque, illius vitio, corrumpier intus,
Qux collata foris et commoda quomque venirent.”
[“For when he saw that almost all things necessarily required for
subsistence, and which may render life comfortable, are already
prepared to their hand, that men may abundantly attain wealth,
honour, praise, may rejoice in the reputation of their children, yet
that, notwithstanding, every one has none the less in his heart and
home anxieties and a mind enslaved by wearing complaints, he saw
that the vessel itself was in fault, and that all good things which
were brought into it from without were spoilt by its own
imperfections.”--Lucretius, vi. 9.]
Our appetite is irresolute and fickle; it can neither keep nor enjoy
anything with a good grace: and man concluding it to be the fault of the
things he is possessed of, fills himself with and feeds upon the idea of
things he neither knows nor understands, to which he devotes his hopes
and his desires, paying them all reverence and honour, according to the
saying of Caesar:
“Communi fit vitio naturae, ut invisis, latitantibus
atque incognitis rebus magis confidamas,
vehementiusque exterreamur.”
[“‘Tis the common vice of nature, that we at once repose most
confidence, and receive the greatest apprehensions, from things
unseen, concealed, and unknown.”--De Bello Civil, xi. 4.]
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Let's Analyse the Pattern
The tendency to devalue present circumstances while overvaluing imagined alternatives, creating perpetual wanting despite having enough.
Why This Matters
Connect literature to life
This chapter teaches how to recognize when your mind is systematically devaluing what you have while overvaluing what you lack.
Practice This Today
This week, notice when you catch yourself fantasizing about how much better life would be 'somewhere else' - then list three things working in your current situation.
Now let's explore the literary elements.
Key Quotes & Analysis
"Is it not a singular testimony of imperfection that we cannot establish our satisfaction in any one thing?"
Context: Opening his argument about human restlessness and inability to be content
This cuts to the heart of human psychology - we're literally incapable of being satisfied with what we have. Montaigne sees this as evidence of our flawed nature, not bad circumstances.
In Today's Words:
Isn't it weird that we're never happy with what we've got, no matter how good it is?
"While that which we desire is wanting, it seems to surpass all the rest; then, when we have got it, we want something else"
Context: Illustrating the cycle of human desire and disappointment
This ancient observation perfectly captures modern consumer culture and relationship patterns. The grass always looks greener, but once we get there, we're looking at the next hill.
In Today's Words:
We always think the thing we don't have is better than everything else, but once we get it, we're already wanting something new.
"We seize them with an unruly and immoderate haste"
Context: Explaining why good things don't satisfy us
The problem isn't that life lacks good things, but that we approach them with greedy, impatient minds. Our attitude spoils what should bring joy.
In Today's Words:
We grab at good things too desperately and mess them up for ourselves.
Thematic Threads
Contentment
In This Chapter
Montaigne argues that satisfaction comes from internal orientation, not external accumulation
Development
Introduced here
In Your Life:
You might notice this when you achieve a goal but immediately start wanting the next thing instead of enjoying what you accomplished.
Self-Knowledge
In This Chapter
Understanding that our 'cracked vessel' minds spoil good experiences through restless comparison
Development
Builds on earlier themes of honest self-examination
In Your Life:
You might see this when you catch yourself complaining about things that others would consider blessings.
Fear
In This Chapter
We fear and desire unknown possibilities more than we appreciate visible realities
Development
Introduced here
In Your Life:
You might experience this when you worry more about imaginary future problems than dealing with actual present challenges.
Perspective
In This Chapter
Our viewpoint determines whether we see abundance or scarcity in identical circumstances
Development
Connects to earlier discussions of judgment and perception
In Your Life:
You might notice this when the same situation feels terrible on a bad day but fine on a good day.
Human Nature
In This Chapter
The universal tendency toward fickleness and restlessness in our desires
Development
Builds on ongoing exploration of human behavioral patterns
In Your Life:
You might recognize this when you find yourself always wanting something different from what you currently have.
You now have the context. Time to form your own thoughts.
Discussion Questions
- 1
What does Montaigne mean when he says we have a 'cracked vessel' problem, and how does this explain why people with good lives still complain?
analysis • surface - 2
Why do we fear and trust unknown things more than what's right in front of us, and how does this pattern keep us dissatisfied?
analysis • medium - 3
Where do you see this 'grass is greener' pattern playing out in modern workplaces, relationships, or social media?
application • medium - 4
If someone you cared about was constantly chasing the next thing and missing what they already had, what specific advice would you give them?
application • deep - 5
What does this chapter suggest about whether happiness comes from getting what we want or wanting what we have?
reflection • deep
Critical Thinking Exercise
Present-Moment Inventory
Think of an area where you feel dissatisfied right now - work, relationships, money, or living situation. Write down everything that's actually working in that area, no matter how small. Then identify one thing you've been taking for granted that someone else would genuinely appreciate having. Finally, write what you're comparing your situation to and whether that comparison is helping or hurting you.
Consider:
- •Be honest about what's actually working, not just what feels dramatic or important
- •Notice if you resist acknowledging good things because it feels like settling
- •Pay attention to whether your comparisons are to real people or fantasy versions
Journaling Prompt
Write about a time when you got something you really wanted, only to find yourself wanting something else soon after. What does this pattern tell you about how your mind works?
Coming Up Next...
Chapter 54: The Danger of Empty Cleverness
Next, Montaigne turns his sharp eye to the clever arguments and elaborate reasoning people use to sound smart, questioning whether all our intellectual complexity actually helps us live better lives.
