Sarah Bakewell

Overview

 

How to Live: Or A Life of Montaigne in One Question and Twenty Attempts at an Answer, written by Sarah Bakewell, is a captivating exploration of the life and philosophy of Michel de Montaigne. Montaigne, a 16th-century French writer and philosopher, is known for popularizing the essay as a literary form and for his candid and introspective approach to life.

 

How to Live delves into Montaigne's personal experiences, thoughts, and writings, highlighting his insights on various aspects of life, including friendship, education, love, and the pursuit of happiness. Through the lens of Montaigne's life, Bakewell offers readers a thought-provoking and refreshing perspective on the art of living.

 

 

Key Points / Ideas

 

1. Questioning Everything: Montaigne's approach to life was characterized by a skepticism towards established beliefs and conventions. He encouraged readers to constantly question their opinions, values, and assumptions, emphasizing the importance of self-reflection and introspection.

 

2. Embracing Imperfection: Montaigne recognized the inherent flaws and contradictions within human nature and advocated for self-acceptance. He believed in embracing one's imperfections rather than striving for an idealized version of oneself, fostering a sense of authenticity and contentment.

 

3. The Art of Friendship: Montaigne valued the role of friendship in personal growth and well-being. He believed that true friendship should be based on sincerity, mutual trust, and shared intellectual pursuits. Montaigne's friendship with Étienne de La Boétie serves as a notable example of the profound impact of meaningful connections.

 

4. Contemplation and Solitude: Montaigne saw solitude as a means to ponder life's complexities and gain a deeper understanding of oneself. Bakewell highlights Montaigne's famous tower, a retreat where he could withdraw from the distractions of society and engage in contemplation.

 

5. Skepticism and Tolerance: Montaigne embraced skepticism as a tool for intellectual exploration and as a means of understanding the vast diversity of human beliefs and values. He encouraged tolerance towards different perspectives and viewed open-mindedness as essential for personal and social growth.

 

Throughout the book, Bakewell draws on Montaigne's essays, personal anecdotes, and historical context to illustrate and support these key points. She weaves together Montaigne's life and philosophy, offering readers an engaging and comprehensive understanding of his approach to living a meaningful and authentic life.

 

 

Conclusion

 

Sarah Bakewell's How to Live: Or A Life of Montaigne in One Question and Twenty Attempts at an Answer is a brilliant exploration of Montaigne's philosophy and its relevance in today's world. Through her in-depth examination of Montaigne's life and writings, Bakewell highlights the enduring wisdom and insights that Montaigne offers to readers.

 

This book is a captivating read for those interested in philosophy, self-reflection, and the pursuit of a well-lived life. It reminds us of the importance of questioning our assumptions, embracing our imperfections, cultivating meaningful friendships, and finding solace in contemplation.

 

With her engaging narrative style, Bakewell encourages readers to explore Montaigne's essays and delve deeper into his philosophy. How to Live serves as an invitation to embrace a more introspective and authentic approach to life, making it a valuable addition to anyone's reading list.

 

For further reading on similar topics, consider books like Ryan Holiday's The Obstacle Is the Way and Alain de Botton's The Consolations of Philosophy. These works provide additional insights into the art of living and offer readers different perspectives on how to navigate life's challenges.