Michel De Montaigne

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Hello, my name is Michel de Montaigne, and I was born in France on February 28, 1533, in a large castle. My family was wealthy and respected. My father, Pierre Eyquem, was a soldier and a man of great wisdom. My mother, Antoinette de Louppes, came from a family of Spanish and Jewish origin. I had a happy childhood, surrounded by books and learning.

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When I was young, my father decided that I should learn many languages. He wanted me to grow up learning Latin before French, so I had a tutor who spoke to me only in Latin. This way, Latin became my first language, and it helped me read many important books later in life.

At the age of six, I went to study at a famous school in Bordeaux, where I learned a lot about Greek, Latin, and philosophy. I liked school, but I also enjoyed spending time in nature. When I was 13 years old, I went to the University of Toulouse to study law. This was not my favorite subject, but it was important for my future career.

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After finishing my studies, I became a lawyer in Bordeaux, working in the court. I worked hard and soon gained respect from many people. At the age of 24, I became a member of the Parliament of Bordeaux, a group that made important decisions for the city. I liked my work, but I always felt that something was missing. I had a desire to think deeply and write about life.

One of the most important moments in my life was meeting a man named Etienne de La Boétie. He became my best friend, and we talked about everything – philosophy, politics, and life. Sadly, Etienne died when I was 30 years old, and I was heartbroken. His death affected me deeply, and I started thinking even more about life, death, and human nature.

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After working as a judge for 13 years, I decided to retire from public life. I was 38 years old when I left my job and went back to my family’s estate. I wanted to spend time reading, thinking, and writing. I wanted to explore ideas about life and human behavior.

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I built a small library in a tower of my family’s castle, where I could read and write in peace. This is where I started writing my famous book, "Essays" ("Essais" in French). The word "essay" means "to try" or "to attempt," and my book was a collection of thoughts and ideas about different topics. I wanted to understand myself better and share my ideas with others. In my "Essays," I wrote about friendship, education, love, death, and many other topics that interested me. I wanted to know why people acted in certain ways, and I wanted to find wisdom in life.

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My writing style was different from others at that time. I wrote in a simple and personal way, sharing my own thoughts and experiences. I believed that by understanding myself, I could understand other people better. My book became very popular, and many people admired my ideas. Even today, people read my "Essays" and find wisdom in them.

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One of my main beliefs was that we should not think we know everything. Life is full of uncertainty, and we should be humble and open to learning new things. I believed that every person has their own way of thinking, and we should respect that. I also thought that we should live life fully and appreciate the small moments of happiness.

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In 1580, when I was 47 years old, I decided to travel across Europe. I visited many places, including Switzerland, Germany, and Italy. I wanted to see the world, meet different people, and learn from their cultures. I kept a travel journal where I wrote about the people I met and the places I visited. Traveling helped me understand the world better, and it gave me new ideas for my writing.

When I returned to France, I became involved in politics again. The country was going through difficult times with religious wars between Catholics and Protestants. I tried to help bring peace by working with both sides. I believed that people should find ways to live together peacefully, no matter their religion.

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In 1581, I was elected as the mayor of Bordeaux. This was a great honor, and I accepted the position even though I loved my quiet life at home. As mayor, I worked hard to improve the city and bring people together. After two terms as mayor, I returned to my writing.

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I continued to work on my "Essays" for the rest of my life, adding new thoughts and revising old ones. My book grew with me, reflecting my changing views on life. I was always searching for wisdom and understanding. I believed that life was a journey, and each person had their own path to follow.

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In my later years, I faced health problems. I suffered from painful kidney stones, but I tried to stay positive. I wrote about my experiences with illness and how they helped me understand life better. Even in pain, I continued to write and think about life’s big questions.

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I died on September 13, 1592, at the age of 59, in the same castle where I was born. My "Essays" became my legacy, and people continued to read them long after my death. My ideas about life, human nature, and philosophy have influenced many writers, thinkers, and philosophers over the centuries.

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Looking back on my life, I see that I was always searching for answers. I wanted to understand the world and my place in it. I believed that by thinking deeply about life, we could find peace and wisdom. I hope that my "Essays" continue to inspire others to ask questions and explore their own thoughts.

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Summary:

Michel de Montaigne was a French writer and philosopher known for his famous book "Essays." He was born in 1533 in a wealthy family and learned Latin at a young age. Montaigne studied law but later focused on philosophy and writing. He worked as a lawyer and judge but retired early to write and think about life. His friendship with Etienne de La Boétie had a strong influence on him. Montaigne believed in living life fully, learning from others, and being open to uncertainty. He wrote in a personal style and focused on topics like friendship, education, and death. Montaigne traveled across Europe, worked to bring peace during religious wars, and served as the mayor of Bordeaux. He died in 1592, but his "Essays" remain important even today.