Summary
Montaigne reflects on the challenges of aging while maintaining vitality and authenticity. He explores how older people often become too severe and prudent, losing the joy that makes life worth living. Drawing from his own experience, he argues for a middle path—embracing both wisdom and pleasure, serious reflection and playful moments. The chapter delves deeply into human sexuality and relationships, examining how society creates artificial shame around natural desires while celebrating violence and cruelty. Montaigne critiques the double standards imposed on women, the hypocrisy of marriage customs, and the ways cultural taboos distort our understanding of ourselves. Throughout, he advocates for honest self-examination and authentic expression, even when it challenges social norms. He argues that hiding our true nature serves no one—that we should acknowledge our flaws and desires rather than pretending to be something we're not. This isn't about abandoning morality, but about finding a more honest and sustainable way to live. The chapter demonstrates Montaigne's commitment to truth-telling about the human condition, showing how genuine self-knowledge requires confronting uncomfortable realities about desire, aging, and social expectations.
Coming Up in Chapter 100
Having explored the intimate aspects of human nature, Montaigne turns his attention outward to examine the relationship between power and material wealth, questioning whether great riches and status truly bring the satisfaction they promise.
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An excerpt from the original text.(~500 words)
By how much profitable thoughts are more full and solid, by so much are they also more cumbersome and heavy: vice, death, poverty, diseases, are grave and grievous subjects. A man should have his soul instructed in the means to sustain and to contend with evils, and in the rules of living and believing well: and often rouse it up, and exercise it in this noble study; but in an ordinary soul it must be by intervals and with moderation; it will otherwise grow besotted if continually intent upon it. I found it necessary, when I was young, to put myself in mind and solicit myself to keep me to my duty; gaiety and health do not, they say, so well agree with those grave and serious meditations: I am at present in another state: the conditions of age but too much put me in mind, urge me to wisdom, and preach to me. From the excess of sprightliness I am fallen into that of severity, which is much more troublesome; and for that reason I now and then suffer myself purposely a little to run into disorder, and occupy my mind in wanton and youthful thoughts, wherewith it diverts itself. I am of late but too reserved, too heavy, and too ripe; years every day read to me lectures of coldness and temperance. This body of mine avoids disorder and dreads it; ‘tis now my body’s turn to guide my mind towards reformation; it governs, in turn, and more rudely and imperiously than the other; it lets me not an hour alone, sleeping or waking, but is always preaching to me death, patience, and repentance. I now defend myself from temperance, as I have formerly done from pleasure; it draws me too much back, and even to stupidity. Now I will be master of myself, to all intents and purposes; wisdom has its excesses, and has no less need of moderation than folly. Therefore, lest I should wither, dry up, and overcharge myself with prudence, in the intervals and truces my infirmities allow me: “Mens intenta suis ne seit usque malis.” [“That my mind may not eternally be intent upon my ills.” --Ovid., Trist., iv. i, 4.] I gently turn aside, and avert my eyes from the stormy and cloudy sky I have before me, which, thanks be to God, I regard without fear, but not without meditation and study, and amuse myself in the remembrance of my better years: “Animus quo perdidit, optat, Atque in praeterita se totus imagine versat.” [“The mind wishes to have what it has lost, and throws itself wholly into memories of the past.”--Petronius, c. 128.] Let childhood look forward and age backward; was not this the signification of Janus’ double face? Let years draw me along if they will, but it shall be backward; as long as my eyes can discern the pleasant season expired, I shall now and then turn them that way; though it escape from my blood and veins, I...
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Intelligence Amplifier™ Analysis
The Road of Honest Aging
The pressure to trade authentic vitality for social approval as we age or gain status.
Why This Matters
Connect literature to life
This chapter teaches how to recognize when society presents artificial either/or options that force you to abandon parts of yourself.
Practice This Today
This week, notice when someone implies you must choose between being respected and being authentic—there's usually a third option they're not mentioning.
Now let's explore the literary elements.
Terms to Know
Temperance
The virtue of moderation and self-restraint, especially regarding pleasures and desires. In Montaigne's time, it was considered one of the cardinal virtues that distinguished civilized people from animals.
Modern Usage:
We see this in wellness culture's emphasis on 'balance' and the ongoing debates about work-life balance, moderation in drinking, or finding the middle ground between indulgence and deprivation.
Reformation
The act of improving or correcting one's behavior and character. Montaigne uses this to describe how his aging body is forcing his mind to become more disciplined and serious.
Modern Usage:
This shows up in self-improvement culture, New Year's resolutions, and the way people talk about 'getting their act together' as they age or face health issues.
Wanton thoughts
Playful, carefree, or sexually suggestive ideas that go against serious moral reflection. Montaigne admits to deliberately indulging these to balance his increasing severity with age.
Modern Usage:
This is like allowing yourself guilty pleasures, binge-watching reality TV, or engaging in harmless flirtation to counteract the heaviness of adult responsibilities.
Grave meditations
Serious, weighty contemplations about difficult subjects like death, poverty, and moral duty. Montaigne argues these are necessary but can become overwhelming if practiced constantly.
Modern Usage:
This appears in therapy culture, mindfulness practices, and the way people balance deep self-reflection with lighter activities to avoid becoming too depressed or anxious.
Sprightliness
Lively, energetic, and cheerful behavior characteristic of youth. Montaigne contrasts this with the heaviness that comes with age and experience.
Modern Usage:
We see this in how people talk about 'feeling young at heart,' maintaining playfulness as adults, or the way society values youthful energy over wisdom.
Besotted
To become foolish or confused, especially from too much of something. Montaigne warns that constant serious thinking can make the mind dull and obsessed.
Modern Usage:
This happens when people become so focused on self-improvement, political causes, or work that they lose perspective and become preachy or unable to enjoy simple pleasures.
Characters in This Chapter
Montaigne (the narrator)
Reflective protagonist
He examines his own aging process and the tension between youthful pleasure and mature wisdom. He admits to deliberately seeking lighter thoughts to balance his increasing seriousness.
Modern Equivalent:
The middle-aged person trying to stay fun while being responsible
Young Montaigne
Past self
Represents his earlier need for discipline and reminders to stay on the right path. He contrasts this with his current state where age itself provides too much restraint.
Modern Equivalent:
The young adult who needs constant motivation and accountability
Key Quotes & Analysis
"I am of late but too reserved, too heavy, and too ripe; years every day read to me lectures of coldness and temperance."
Context: He's describing how aging has made him overly serious and restrained
This captures the irony of aging - we gain wisdom but risk losing the joy that makes life worth living. Montaigne recognizes that pure wisdom without pleasure becomes its own kind of prison.
In Today's Words:
I've become too serious and uptight lately; getting older keeps reminding me to be careful and moderate about everything.
"From the excess of sprightliness I am fallen into that of severity, which is much more troublesome."
Context: He's comparing his youthful energy to his current overly serious state
Montaigne identifies that extremes in either direction are problematic. Too much seriousness is actually worse than too much playfulness because it drains life of meaning.
In Today's Words:
I went from being too wild and carefree to being too strict and serious, and honestly the serious part is worse.
"I now and then suffer myself purposely a little to run into disorder, and occupy my mind in wanton and youthful thoughts, wherewith it diverts itself."
Context: He's explaining his strategy for maintaining balance in his older years
This shows remarkable self-awareness and wisdom about human psychology. He deliberately chooses moments of playfulness as a form of mental health maintenance, recognizing that constant virtue is unsustainable.
In Today's Words:
Sometimes I deliberately let myself be a little wild and think silly or sexy thoughts just to lighten up and have fun.
Thematic Threads
Authenticity
In This Chapter
Montaigne advocates for honest self-expression even when it challenges social norms, refusing to hide his desires or flaws
Development
Deepened from earlier chapters to include sexual honesty and aging authentically
In Your Life:
You might struggle with showing your true personality at work or hiding interests that don't fit your image
Social Expectations
In This Chapter
Society creates artificial shame around natural desires while celebrating violence, especially pressuring older people to become moral police
Development
Expanded to include age-based expectations and gender double standards
In Your Life:
You might feel pressure to act more 'serious' or 'appropriate' as you advance in your career or age
Human Sexuality
In This Chapter
Montaigne critiques how culture creates taboos around natural desires while ignoring real moral problems
Development
Introduced here as example of broader authenticity themes
In Your Life:
You might notice how society judges women's sexuality differently than men's, or how age affects what's considered appropriate
Self-Knowledge
In This Chapter
True wisdom requires confronting uncomfortable truths about our desires and contradictions rather than pretending perfection
Development
Evolved to include accepting our sexual and emotional complexity
In Your Life:
You might catch yourself judging others for things you secretly struggle with yourself
Aging
In This Chapter
The challenge of maintaining vitality and joy while gaining wisdom, avoiding the trap of becoming overly severe or prudish
Development
Introduced here as major life navigation challenge
In Your Life:
You might worry about becoming bitter or judgmental as you get older, or feel pressure to hide your personality
You now have the context. Time to form your own thoughts.
Discussion Questions
- 1
According to Montaigne, what happens to many people as they age, and why does he see this as a problem?
analysis • surface - 2
Why does Montaigne argue that society creates shame around natural desires while celebrating violence? What does this reveal about our cultural priorities?
analysis • medium - 3
Where do you see the pattern of 'false respectability' in your own workplace, family, or community? How do people change their behavior to appear more 'appropriate' as they get older?
application • medium - 4
If you were advising someone who felt pressured to become more rigid and judgmental with age, how would you help them find Montaigne's 'middle path' between wisdom and vitality?
application • deep - 5
What does Montaigne's approach to honest self-examination teach us about the difference between maturity and respectability? Why might authentic self-knowledge be more valuable than social approval?
reflection • deep
Critical Thinking Exercise
Map Your Authenticity Pressure Points
Think about different areas of your life (work, family, social media, community). For each area, identify one way you feel pressure to be more 'respectable' or hide parts of your authentic self. Then consider: what would it look like to find Montaigne's middle path in each situation—staying true to yourself while still being thoughtful about others?
Consider:
- •Notice which areas create the most pressure to conform or hide your true thoughts
- •Consider whether the 'respectability' you're performing actually serves you or others
- •Think about the difference between being considerate and being fake
Journaling Prompt
Write about a time when you chose authentic expression over social approval. What did you learn about yourself and others from that experience?
Coming Up Next...
Chapter 100: On Coaches and Conquest
In the next chapter, you'll discover fear can be both wisdom and weakness depending on how you handle it, and learn true leadership means serving others, not just taking from them. These insights reveal timeless patterns that resonate in our own lives and relationships.