Summary
Montaigne explores the eternal tension between doing what's profitable and doing what's right, using himself as a case study in navigating treacherous political waters. He reveals how he's served as a mediator between warring French factions while refusing to lie or betray anyone's trust. Through historical examples—from Roman emperors who rejected profitable treachery to rulers who punished the very traitors they employed—he shows how those who compromise their integrity often face consequences from all sides. The essay becomes deeply personal as Montaigne explains his own approach: he speaks openly, takes few secrets, and maintains the same honesty with all parties. He argues that while society sometimes requires dirty work, individuals don't have to sacrifice their souls for political expedience. The chapter wrestles with when, if ever, breaking one's word might be justified, ultimately suggesting that maintaining personal integrity, even at cost, creates more trust and effectiveness than clever manipulation. Montaigne's insights feel startlingly modern—he's describing how to survive in a world of competing loyalties without losing yourself in the process.
Coming Up in Chapter 95
Having examined the costs of moral compromise, Montaigne turns inward to explore an even more challenging question: what happens when we disappoint ourselves? The next chapter delves into the complex psychology of regret and self-forgiveness.
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An excerpt from the original text.(~500 words)
OF PROFIT AND HONESTY No man is free from speaking foolish things; but the worst on’t is, when a man labours to play the fool: “Nae iste magno conatu magnas nugas dixerit.” [“Truly he, with a great effort will shortly say a mighty trifle.” ---Terence, Heaut., act iii., s. 4.] This does not concern me; mine slip from me with as little care as they are of little value, and ‘tis the better for them. I would presently part with them for what they are worth, and neither buy nor sell them, but as they weigh. I speak on paper, as I do to the first person I meet; and that this is true, observe what follows. To whom ought not treachery to be hateful, when Tiberius refused it in a thing of so great importance to him? He had word sent him from Germany that if he thought fit, they would rid him of Arminius by poison: this was the most potent enemy the Romans had, who had defeated them so ignominiously under Varus, and who alone prevented their aggrandisement in those parts. He returned answer, “that the people of Rome were wont to revenge themselves of their enemies by open ways, and with their swords in their hands, and not clandestinely and by fraud”: wherein he quitted the profitable for the honest. You will tell me that he was a braggadocio; I believe so too: and ‘tis no great miracle in men of his profession. But the acknowledgment of virtue is not less valid in the mouth of him who hates it, forasmuch as truth forces it from him, and if he will not inwardly receive it, he at least puts it on for a decoration. Our outward and inward structure is full of imperfection; but there is nothing useless in nature, not even inutility itself; nothing has insinuated itself into this universe that has not therein some fit and proper place. Our being is cemented with sickly qualities: ambition, jealousy, envy, revenge, superstition, and despair have so natural a possession in us, that its image is discerned in beasts; nay, and cruelty, so unnatural a vice; for even in the midst of compassion we feel within, I know not what tart-sweet titillation of ill-natured pleasure in seeing others suffer; and the children feel it: “Suave mari magno, turbantibus aequora ventis, E terra magnum alterius spectare laborem:” [“It is sweet, when the winds disturb the waters of the vast sea, to witness from land the peril of other persons.”--Lucretius, ii. I.] of the seeds of which qualities, whoever should divest man, would destroy the fundamental conditions of human life. Likewise, in all governments there are necessary offices, not only abject, but vicious also. Vices there help to make up the seam in our piecing, as poisons are useful for the conservation of health. If they become excusable because they are of use to us, and that the common necessity covers their true qualities, we are to resign this...
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Intelligence Amplifier™ Analysis
The Road of Honest Dealing - Why Integrity Creates More Power Than Manipulation
Maintaining consistent principles in chaotic situations creates more trust and influence than strategic manipulation.
Why This Matters
Connect literature to life
This chapter teaches how to recognize when your integrity becomes your greatest strategic asset in complex situations.
Practice This Today
This week, notice when people bring you sensitive information—are they testing whether you'll keep confidences or exploit them for advantage?
Now let's explore the literary elements.
Terms to Know
Treachery
The act of betraying trust or breaking faith, especially in political or personal relationships. Montaigne uses this to explore when breaking promises might be justified versus when it destroys your reputation.
Modern Usage:
We see this in workplace politics when someone throws a colleague under the bus to get ahead, or in relationships when people cheat or betray confidences.
Clandestine
Done in secret, especially something underhanded or deceptive. Montaigne contrasts open, honest dealing with secret manipulation and scheming.
Modern Usage:
This shows up in office gossip, secret deals behind people's backs, or any time someone works in the shadows instead of being upfront.
Mediator
Someone who helps opposing sides communicate and resolve conflicts without taking sides. Montaigne served this role between warring French political factions.
Modern Usage:
We see mediators in divorce proceedings, workplace disputes, or family conflicts where someone tries to help both sides find common ground.
Aggrandisement
The act of increasing power, wealth, or status, often at others' expense. Montaigne discusses how political leaders pursue expansion and dominance.
Modern Usage:
This happens when companies aggressively expand to crush competition, or when people climb the ladder by stepping on others.
Braggadocio
Empty boasting or showing off, especially about courage or achievements you don't really possess. Montaigne questions whether some noble acts are just for show.
Modern Usage:
We see this in social media posts where people exaggerate their lives, or when politicians make grand promises they can't keep.
Expedience
Choosing what's convenient or advantageous in the moment, rather than what's right or principled. Montaigne warns against sacrificing integrity for short-term gain.
Modern Usage:
This shows up when people lie on resumes, cheat on taxes, or make promises they don't intend to keep just to get what they want.
Characters in This Chapter
Tiberius
Historical example
Roman emperor who refused an offer to poison his enemy Arminius, choosing honor over easy victory. Montaigne uses him to show that even ruthless leaders sometimes choose integrity over profit.
Modern Equivalent:
The CEO who refuses to use dirty tactics against competitors
Arminius
Enemy figure
Germanic leader who defeated the Romans and could have been eliminated through treachery. Represents the powerful opponent that Tiberius chose to face honorably rather than destroy through poison.
Modern Equivalent:
The business rival you could destroy with insider information but choose to compete with fairly
Varus
Historical reference
Roman general defeated by Arminius, representing the legitimate losses that come from honest conflict rather than underhanded methods.
Modern Equivalent:
The manager who lost a project fair and square to better competition
Montaigne
Narrator and protagonist
Presents himself as someone who navigates political tensions by maintaining honesty with all sides. He mediates between enemies while refusing to lie or betray confidences.
Modern Equivalent:
The coworker who stays neutral in office politics and earns everyone's trust by being straight with people
Key Quotes & Analysis
"I speak on paper, as I do to the first person I meet"
Context: Explaining his approach to writing and communication
This reveals Montaigne's commitment to authenticity - he doesn't put on different faces for different audiences. It's his strategy for maintaining integrity in a world full of political games.
In Today's Words:
I'm the same person whether I'm talking to my boss or the janitor
"The people of Rome were wont to revenge themselves of their enemies by open ways, and with their swords in their hands, and not clandestinely and by fraud"
Context: Refusing the offer to poison Arminius
This shows the principle of fighting fair even against enemies. Tiberius chooses reputation and honor over easy victory, understanding that how you win matters as much as winning.
In Today's Words:
We settle our problems face to face, not by stabbing people in the back
"He quitted the profitable for the honest"
Context: Describing Tiberius's choice to refuse treachery
This captures the central tension of the essay - the choice between what benefits you and what's right. Montaigne shows that sometimes integrity costs you, but it's worth it.
In Today's Words:
He gave up the easy win to do the right thing
Thematic Threads
Identity
In This Chapter
Montaigne defines himself by what he won't do rather than what he will—refusing to lie or betray trust becomes his core identity
Development
Builds on earlier chapters about self-knowledge, showing how principles become identity markers
In Your Life:
Your reputation is built more on the lines you won't cross than the things you'll do for advancement.
Class
In This Chapter
Montaigne navigates between noble factions without belonging fully to any, using his independence as strength
Development
Continues theme of class mobility requiring careful positioning and authentic self-presentation
In Your Life:
Being between social groups can be an advantage if you maintain integrity rather than trying to fake belonging.
Social Expectations
In This Chapter
Society expects political players to lie and manipulate, but Montaigne succeeds by refusing these expectations
Development
Extends earlier exploration of how defying social scripts can be liberating and effective
In Your Life:
Sometimes the most powerful move is refusing to play the game everyone expects you to play.
Personal Growth
In This Chapter
Montaigne learns that consistency in principles creates more opportunities than clever flexibility
Development
Shows maturation from earlier chapters about self-discovery to practical wisdom about living those discoveries
In Your Life:
Real growth means developing principles strong enough to guide you through complex situations.
Human Relationships
In This Chapter
Trust becomes the currency that allows Montaigne to build relationships across enemy lines
Development
Deepens earlier insights about authenticity in relationships, showing how it works in high-stakes situations
In Your Life:
The relationships that matter most are built on knowing someone will keep their word even when it costs them.
You now have the context. Time to form your own thoughts.
Discussion Questions
- 1
How did Montaigne manage to serve as a mediator between warring French factions without betraying anyone's trust?
analysis • surface - 2
Why do you think people on both sides trusted Montaigne more than those who tried to play all angles for maximum advantage?
analysis • medium - 3
Think about your workplace, family, or friend group. Who plays the role Montaigne describes - the person everyone trusts with sensitive information? What makes them trustworthy?
application • medium - 4
When you're caught between competing loyalties - like friends who don't get along or family members in conflict - how do you decide what to say and what to keep private?
application • deep - 5
Montaigne suggests that maintaining integrity actually increases your influence rather than limiting it. What does this reveal about what people really value in relationships and leadership?
reflection • deep
Critical Thinking Exercise
Map Your Trust Network
Think of a current situation where you're caught between competing groups or loyalties - at work, in your family, or among friends. Draw a simple diagram showing the different parties and their conflicts. Then mark where you currently stand and what information each side has shared with you that they wouldn't want the other to know.
Consider:
- •What would happen if you shared everything openly with all parties?
- •What would you gain or lose by maintaining strict confidentiality?
- •Which approach would make you more valuable as a mediator long-term?
Journaling Prompt
Write about a time when someone betrayed your confidence or when you were tempted to share someone else's secret. How did that experience shape your approach to handling sensitive information?
Coming Up Next...
Chapter 95: The Art of Honest Self-Knowledge
In the next chapter, you'll discover to develop genuine self-awareness without falling into either self-hatred or false pride, and learn authentic repentance requires deep change, not just surface regret. These insights reveal timeless patterns that resonate in our own lives and relationships.