Happy birthday Michel de Montaigne

"Even on the most exalted throne in the world, we are only sitting on our own rear end."

I can't remember at this late stage what made me buy his Essays back in the 1960s but unlike other philosophers I bought then because I thought I should, his book still sits on my shelves.  Well thumbed. 

There have been several articles and this last few months even a radio play about him.  Maybe his time has come again.  All I know is that from the first he made me laugh and something in his down to earth words clicked with me.

Michel de Montaigne

'When I am attacked by gloomy thoughts, nothing helps me so much as running to my books. They quickly absorb me and banish the clouds from my mind.'

There's a new biography about Montaigne out. He's credited with being the father of the essay. I came across him many years ago and my Penguin edition is well thumbed.

What has appealed to me over the years about him?

1. Commonsense.
2. Humanity
3. Humour

If you've never tried him, there are biographies of him online including Wikipedia that will give you a flavour of the man. Hope you too can enjoy his writing.

Let me know what you think.