In my Advanced Composition class I am taking at Texas A&M University, we were assigned a reading on the “Essais [Essays] of Michel De Montaigne”. As my teacher, Professor Murray, has pointed out to us, Michel De Montaigne was considered to be the first writer of this thing we call essays. Little did he know that essays would be widely used in the years to come. In many of Michel De Montaigne’s essays, it seems like he has so much to say and wants to put it all out there for his readers. I think he really wanted readers to understand his way of thinking because he has such a philosophical way of doing so. After reading his essays, I noticed that he can create such an impact on those who actually read it and analyze it. In the very beginning, he points out how he’s writing to write and not necessarily BE right. He’s stressing that others are experts on the topics that he may write about, but he is choosing to write with the knowledge he knows and not really seeking others approval on the matter. For example, when he writes, “for I should be very unwilling to become responsible to another for my writings, who am not so to myself, nor satisfied with them. Whoever goes in quest of knowledge, let him fish for it where it is to be found; there is nothing I so little profess.”

One paragraph that particularly stood out to me, in Chapter XIII: Experience, was when he began to talk about the pleasure of content and prosperity. Montaigne proposes that while  most enjoy these pleasures, they allow them to slip by while he prefers to, “study, taste, and ruminate upon it to render condign thanks to Him who grants it to us”. He compares this to when we sleep (which could also refer to falling asleep) and how it is something that happens so quickly we do not realize it is happening. Montaigne goes beyond as well when he states, “I associate it with my soul too”. All of this made an impression on me because I enjoyed his perspective on enjoying the pleasures of life extensively, and also having gratitude to Him who allots these pleasures. Montaigne is clearly uninterested in present and, “vain images which fancy puts before them”, but rather to dwell on and increase his current pleasures and fortunes. A rich life to associate your soul to appeals to me more than any other temporary, material thing.

Hello! This is very new for me, but I’m really excited to share my thoughts! I have always had a lot to say but have never been brave enough to say it. I want this to be a place where I can show you my passions! I love movies, good books, and photography, so don’t be surprised if that’s all you see here! I hope you enjoy and appreciate what my little mind has to say!