Chapter 34
Simple Solutions to Complex Problems
OF ONE DEFECT IN OUR GOVERNMENT My late father, a man that had no other advantages than experience and his own natural parts, was nevertheless of a very clear judgment, formerly told me that he once had thoughts of endeavouring to introduce this practice; that there might be in every city a certain place assigned to which such as stood in need of anything might repair, and have their business entered by an officer appointed for that purpose. As for example: I want a chapman to buy my pearls; I want one that has pearls to sell; such a one…
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Key Quotes & Analysis
"conditions that hunt after one another, and for want of knowing one another’s occasions leave men in very great necessity."
Context: Why a public registry helps
Needs and offers miss.
In Today's Words:
Montaigne says conditions hunt after one another, yet people stay in great necessity for want of knowing each other's occasions. That is his case for a public notice office in every city. Many problems in work, housing, and care are matchmaking problems disguised as fate.
"scarce bread to put in their mouths: Lilius Gregorius Giraldus in Italy and Sebastianus Castalio in Germany: and I believe there are a thousand men would have invited them into their families, with very advantageous conditions, or have relieved them where they were, had they known their wants."
Context: Giraldus and Castalio
Genius can starve nearby.
In Today's Words:
Montaigne says two excellent scholars died so poor they had scarce bread to put in their mouths, in sight of an age that could have helped. That is shame, not scarcity alone. Talent dies quietly when nobody makes its need public to the people who could help.
"secure rare and remarkable persons of any kind, whom misfortune sometimes persecutes to the last degree, from the dangers of necessity; and at least place them in such a condition that they must be very hard to please, if they are not contented."
Context: What he would do with wealth
Patronage as rescue.
In Today's Words:
Montaigne says he would use family wealth to secure rare and remarkable persons persecuted by fortune to the last degree. He is not only theorizing about a city registry. When you have margin, look for excellence ruined by bad luck before it disappears from your city entirely.
"ancient custom, which I think it would not be amiss for every one to revive in his own house; and I find I did very foolishly in neglecting it."
Context: Household journal
Memory needs record.
In Today's Words:
Montaigne praises his father's household journal as an ancient custom he thinks it would not be amiss for everyone to revive. Dates, visitors, and deaths fade fast without a record. A simple family log can answer questions pride and busyness make you forget to ask.
Thematic Threads
Class
In This Chapter
Montaigne's formally uneducated father shows more practical wisdom than learned scholars, challenging assumptions about who possesses valuable knowledge
Development
Continues theme of questioning social hierarchies based on education or status
In Your Life:
You might dismiss good advice from someone without formal credentials while overvaluing complex solutions from 'experts.'
Identity
In This Chapter
Montaigne admits he foolishly abandoned his father's practical systems, showing how we sometimes reject wisdom to establish our own identity
Development
Builds on earlier explorations of how we define ourselves, sometimes at our own expense
In Your Life:
You might reject family traditions or workplace practices just to prove you're different, even when they actually work.
Human Relationships
In This Chapter
The bulletin board idea recognizes that most relationship problems stem from poor communication, not fundamental incompatibility
Development
Expands understanding of how simple systems can improve human connections
In Your Life:
Many of your conflicts with family or coworkers might be solved by better information sharing rather than deep therapy.
Personal Growth
In This Chapter
Montaigne grows by recognizing the value of his father's simple wisdom, showing maturity means appreciating practical solutions
Development
Shows growth as learning to value effectiveness over sophistication
In Your Life:
Real maturity might mean choosing the boring solution that works over the exciting one that impresses people.
You now have the context. Time to form your own thoughts.
Discussion Questions
This is not a test. Five prompts guide you through the chapter, from how it opens to how it closes, so you notice context and rhythm rather than facts to memorize. Sit with each question in your own words. When you see "One way to read it," treat it as a starting point, not the only answer.
- 1
What simple solution did Montaigne's father propose for helping people find what they need?
analysis • surfaceOne way to read it
A designated place in every city where people could post their needs and offerings, like wanting to buy pearls or seeking travel companions to Paris.
- 2
Why does Montaigne think two brilliant scholars died in poverty when wealthy patrons existed who would have helped them?
analysis • mediumOne way to read it
The scholars and potential patrons simply didn't know about each other's situations. The problem wasn't lack of generosity but lack of communication.
- 3
Where do you see Montaigne's bulletin board idea working in today's world?
application • mediumOne way to read it
Online platforms like Craigslist, neighborhood apps, or social media groups where people post job openings, items for sale, or requests for help.
- 4
How would you apply his father's journal-keeping system to solve a current problem in your life or community?
application • deepOne way to read it
Track recurring issues like missed deadlines or communication gaps by recording daily events. Patterns emerge that reveal simple fixes, like scheduling regular check-ins.
- 5
What does Montaigne's praise for his uneducated father's wisdom suggest about how we find solutions to complex problems?
reflection • deepOne way to read it
Practical observation often beats theoretical knowledge. His father saw human needs clearly because he watched how people actually behaved, not how books said they should.
Critical Thinking Exercise
Design Your Own Bulletin Board
Identify one persistent problem in your daily life—at work, home, or in your community. Now design the simplest possible 'bulletin board' solution that could help people connect around this issue. Don't worry about making it perfect or sophisticated. Focus on what information needs to flow between which people.
Consider:
- •What specific information do people need to share?
- •Who are the people who have resources versus those who need them?
- •What's the simplest way to connect these groups without creating more work?
Journaling Prompt
Write about a time when you made something more complicated than it needed to be. What were you trying to prove, and what would the simple solution have looked like?
Coming Up Next...
Chapter 35: Nature vs. Custom in Clothing
From civic notice boards Montaigne turns to bodily custom. He will ask whether clothes are nature's lack or habit's invention, and why the beggar says he is all face.
