Description
Book Synopsis: Winner of the 2010 National Book Critics Circle Award for Biography
How to get along with people, how to deal with violence, how to adjust to losing someone you love—such questions arise in most people’s lives. They are all versions of a bigger question: how do you live? How do you do the good or honorable thing, while flourishing and feeling happy?
This question obsessed Renaissance writers, none more than Michel Eyquem de Monatigne, perhaps the first truly modern individual. A nobleman, public official and wine-grower, he wrote free-roaming explorations of his thought and experience, unlike anything written before. He called them “essays,” meaning “attempts” or “tries.” Into them, he put whatever was in his head: his tastes in wine and food, his childhood memories, the way his dog’s ears twitched when it was dreaming, as well as the appalling events of the religious civil wars raging around him. The Essays was an instant bestseller and, over four hundred years later, Montaigne’s honesty and charm still draw people to him. Readers come in search of companionship, wisdom and entertainment—and in search of themselves.
This book, a spirited and singular biography, relates the story of his life by way of the questions he posed and the answers he explored. It traces his bizarre upbringing, youthful career and sexual adventures, his travels, and his friendships with the scholar and poet Étienne de La Boétie and with his adopted “daughter,” Marie de Gournay. And we also meet his readers—who for centuries have found in Montaigne an inexhaustible source of answers to the haunting question, “how to live?”
Details
Are you searching for the answers to life's biggest questions? Look no further than "How to Live: Or A Life of Montaigne in One Question and Twenty Attempts at an Answer." Winner of the 2010 National Book Critics Circle Award for Biography, this book delves into the profound inquiries that plague our minds. How do you get along with people? How do you cope with violence? How do you navigate the loss of a loved one? These questions, which we all face at some point, converge into one ultimate inquiry: how do you truly live?
In this captivating biography, experience the world through the eyes of Michel Eyquem de Montaigne, a Renaissance writer who captured the essence of modernity long before his time. Immerse yourself in his "essays," or rather, attempts at understanding the world around him. Montaigne fearlessly explored his thoughts and experiences, sharing everything from his gastronomic preferences to the horrific events of the religious wars of his era. Today, his honesty and charm continue to captivate readers who seek companionship, wisdom, and entertainment, ultimately embarking on a journey to discover themselves.
Discover the extraordinary life of Montaigne as he poses profound questions and embarks on the quest for answers. This biography takes you on a journey, highlighting his unconventional upbringing, his youthful exploits, his adventures across the globe, and his deep connections with influential figures such as Étienne de La Boétie and Marie de Gournay. As you follow Montaigne's footsteps, you'll also encounter the countless readers who have turned to him for centuries, finding solace and enlightenment in his words.
Satisfy your curiosity and uncover the secrets of living a fulfilling life with "How to Live: Or A Life of Montaigne in One Question and Twenty Attempts at an Answer." Join the multitude of readers who have found inspiration in Montaigne's timeless wisdom. Explore the depth of human existence and embrace the opportunity to ask yourself: how will you live?
Get your copy of "How to Live: Or A Life of Montaigne in One Question and Twenty Attempts at an Answer" today and embark on a transformative journey towards self-discovery and enlightenment.
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