Chapter 42
True Worth Beyond Status and Wealth
OF THE INEQUALITY AMOUNGST US. Plutarch says somewhere that he does not find so great a difference betwixt beast and beast as he does betwixt man and man; which he says in reference to the internal qualities and perfections of the soul. And, in truth, I find so vast a distance betwixt Epaminondas, according to my judgment of him, and some that I know, who are yet men of good sense, that I could willingly enhance upon Plutarch, and say that there is more difference betwixt such and such a man than there is betwixt such a man and such…
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Now let's explore the literary elements.
Key Quotes & Analysis
"do we not value a man for what is properly his own? He has a great train, a beautiful palace, so much credit, so many thousand pounds a year: all these are about him, but not in him."
Context: Contrast with animals judged fairly
Substance over display.
In Today's Words:
Montaigne asks why we praise a horse for strength, not rich caparison, yet do not value a man for what is properly his own. We know better with animals and forget it with people. When someone impresses you, list what would remain if the title and outfit vanished.
"You are to judge him by himself and not by what he wears; and, as one of the ancients very pleasantly said: “Do you know why you repute him tall? You reckon withal the height of his pattens."
Context: Buying men like horses
Strip the scabbard.
In Today's Words:
Montaigne says you are to judge a man by himself and not by what he wears, as you would inquire into the blade itself, not the scabbard. Decorations hide what matters. Practice judging people as if they arrived in an ordinary shirt with no introduction.
"Do you know why you repute him tall? You reckon withal the height of his pattens"
Context: False stature from props
Pedestal inflates worth.
In Today's Words:
Seneca jokes that you repute a man tall because you reckon the height of his pattens and platform too, and the pedestal is no part of the statue itself. Status props inflate apparent size. Subtract the platform before you decide who actually stands above you.
"For God sake, sir,” replied Cyneas, “tell me what hinders that you may not, if you please, be now in the condition you speak of? Why do you not now at this instant settle yourself in the state you seem to aim at, and spare all the labour"
Context: Pyrrhus and endless conquest
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In Today's Words:
Cyneas asks Pyrrhus, for God's sake, why he may not settle now in the condition he seeks after conquering the world and spare all the labour and hazard. The future prize may already be available. Ask what you are chasing that you could practice today without another victory.
Thematic Threads
Class
In This Chapter
Montaigne argues that social class differences are mostly superficial costumes hiding the same human nature underneath
Development
Builds on earlier themes about social pretension by showing how class distinctions blind us to individual worth
In Your Life:
You might catch yourself assuming someone's intelligence or worth based on their job title or neighborhood rather than getting to know them.
Identity
In This Chapter
True identity comes from inner qualities like wisdom and character, not external roles or possessions
Development
Deepens the ongoing exploration of authentic self versus social performance
In Your Life:
You might realize you're defining yourself by your job or income level instead of your values and relationships.
Social Expectations
In This Chapter
Society teaches us to value the wrong things—status symbols over character, appearance over substance
Development
Extends earlier critiques of social conventions by showing how they corrupt our judgment of others
In Your Life:
You might notice pressure to buy things you can't afford to maintain an image others expect from you.
Human Relationships
In This Chapter
High status actually isolates people because others approach them with ulterior motives rather than genuine connection
Development
Introduces the paradox that social elevation can destroy authentic relationships
In Your Life:
You might recognize how your own success or struggles affect whether people's interest in you feels genuine.
Personal Growth
In This Chapter
Real growth comes from developing wisdom and self-control, not accumulating external markers of success
Development
Reinforces the theme that internal development matters more than external achievement
In Your Life:
You might shift focus from impressing others to building skills and character that actually improve your life.
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 does Montaigne mean when he says we judge horses by their legs and eyes but humans by their wealth and titles?
analysis • surfaceOne way to read it
He argues we examine what truly matters in animals (their actual abilities) but get distracted by superficial decorations in people, missing their real character and wisdom.
- 2
Why does Montaigne's comparison of kings to actors in costumes effectively challenge our respect for authority?
analysis • mediumOne way to read it
The actor metaphor reveals that royal power is just performance and costume. Strip away the props, and you find ordinary humans with the same fears and weaknesses as everyone else.
- 3
Where do you see people today judging others by external status rather than character?
application • mediumOne way to read it
Social media followers, expensive cars, designer clothes, or prestigious job titles often impress us more than someone's kindness, integrity, or wisdom in daily interactions.
- 4
How would you apply Montaigne's 'strip away the externals' test when choosing friends or romantic partners?
application • deepOne way to read it
Look past their Instagram, income, or social connections. Ask: Are they honest when stressed? Kind to service workers? Do they have genuine interests and can they laugh at themselves?
- 5
What does Montaigne's insight about kings being isolated by their status reveal about power and human connection?
reflection • deepOne way to read it
True power might actually be the ability to form genuine relationships. High status can become a prison that prevents authentic human connection, making the powerful paradoxically powerless.
Critical Thinking Exercise
Judge the Horse, Not the Saddle
Think of someone you initially judged positively or negatively based on surface appearances - their clothes, car, job, accent, or social media presence. Write down what you noticed first, then list three deeper qualities you discovered later that either confirmed or completely contradicted your first impression. Finally, identify one person in your current life you might be misjudging based on externals.
Consider:
- •Focus on actual behaviors and character traits, not just different surface markers
- •Consider how your own background and experiences shaped your initial judgment
- •Think about times when others might have misjudged you based on appearances
Journaling Prompt
Write about a time when someone looked past your surface appearance to see your real value, or when you had to prove yourself despite not having the 'right' credentials or image. How did that experience change how you evaluate others?
Coming Up Next...
Chapter 43: Why Luxury Bans Backfire
After judging souls instead of costumes, Montaigne turns to law. Sumptuary bans will make velvet and gold more coveted, while kings could end excess simply by refusing to wear it.
