Chapter 55
The Truth About Natural vs. Artificial
OF SMELLS It has been reported of some, as of Alexander the Great, that their sweat exhaled an odoriferous smell, occasioned by some rare and extraordinary constitution, of which Plutarch and others have been inquisitive into the cause. But the ordinary constitution of human bodies is quite otherwise, and their best and chiefest excellency is to be exempt from smell. Nay, the sweetness even of the purest breath has nothing in it of greater perfection than to be without any offensive smell, like those of healthful children, which made Plautus say of a woman: “Mulier tum bene olet, ubi nihil…
Public-domain chapter text, formatted for reading.
Master this chapter. Complete your experience
Purchase the complete book to access all chapters and support classic literature
Available in paperback, hardcover, and e-book formats
Now let's explore the literary elements.
Key Quotes & Analysis
"She smells sweetest, who smells not at all."
Context: Natural excellence
Absence as virtue.
In Today's Words:
Plautus, quoted by Montaigne, says a woman smells sweetest when she smells not at all, and the best human excellence is to be exempt from offensive smell. Neutral is the ideal. When you meet heavy fragrance, ask whether you are being offered health or a disguise.
"To smell, though well, is to stink: “Rides nos, Coracine, nil olentes Malo, quam bene olere, nil olere."
Context: Perfume suspicion
Cover signals flaw.
In Today's Words:
Montaigne says those who use fine exotic perfumes are suspected of natural imperfection they try to conceal, and to smell though well is still to stink. Strong scent usually announces a problem. Treat overpowering fragrance like a warning label on the body, not a compliment.
"my very mustachios, which are full, perform that office; for if I stroke them but with my gloves or handkerchief, the smell will not out a whole day; they manifest where I have been, and the close, luscious, devouring, viscid melting kisses of youthful ardour in my wanton age left a sweetness upon my lips for several hours after."
Context: Skin holds scent
Body remembers air.
In Today's Words:
Montaigne says his skin imbibes odours so readily that his full mustachios perform the office of carrying smell; a stroke with gloves leaves scent all day. Environments stick to you. Notice what rooms, kitchens, and crowds leave on your clothes before you call the trace harmless.
"Venice and Paris, very much lessen the kindness I have for them, the one by the offensive smell of her marshes"
Context: Choosing lodgings
Air shapes affection.
In Today's Words:
Montaigne says his chief care in lodgings is avoiding thick stinking air, and beautiful Venice and Paris lessen his kindness through marsh smell and street dirt. Charm cannot outrank stench for long. When you pick where to live or work, weigh the air as seriously as the view.
Thematic Threads
Authenticity
In This Chapter
Montaigne argues that natural presence without artificial enhancement is more appealing and trustworthy than heavy perfumes or personas
Development
Introduced here as core principle
In Your Life:
You might notice feeling more comfortable around people who seem genuinely themselves versus those who seem to be performing a role.
Instinct
In This Chapter
Montaigne's heightened sensitivity to smells becomes a tool for detecting genuine versus false elements in his environment
Development
Introduced here as navigation tool
In Your Life:
You might recognize that your gut feelings about people and situations are often more accurate than your logical analysis.
Environment
In This Chapter
Montaigne chooses where to live based on air quality, recognizing that surroundings directly impact well-being
Development
Introduced here as practical wisdom
In Your Life:
You might start paying more attention to how different places and people make you feel physically and emotionally.
Social Masks
In This Chapter
Heavy perfumes and artificial enhancements are seen as attempts to hide natural deficiencies or insecurities
Development
Introduced here as warning sign
In Your Life:
You might notice when you or others are using external things to compensate for feeling inadequate inside.
Health
In This Chapter
Montaigne connects his sensitivity to smells with his overall health and mood, showing how environment affects well-being
Development
Introduced here as holistic approach
In Your Life:
You might start recognizing how your physical environment directly impacts your mental and emotional state.
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 quotes 'She smells sweetest, who smells not at all'?
analysis • surfaceOne way to read it
He argues that natural absence of odor is more attractive than artificial perfumes. The best human scent is no scent at all, like healthy children.
- 2
Why does Montaigne suspect people who use heavy perfumes of 'natural imperfection'?
analysis • mediumOne way to read it
He sees artificial enhancement as compensation for something lacking. When we mask our natural state, we signal insecurity about our authentic selves.
- 3
Where do you see Montaigne's 'perfume principle' playing out on social media today?
application • mediumOne way to read it
Heavy filters, constant self-promotion, or overly curated posts often signal insecurity. The most appealing accounts tend to show authentic, unfiltered moments.
- 4
How would you apply Montaigne's sensitivity to smells in choosing your living or work environment?
application • deepOne way to read it
Trust your instinctive reactions to spaces and people. Like Montaigne avoiding Venice's marshes, pay attention to how environments make you feel physically and emotionally.
- 5
What does Montaigne's connection between natural scents and health reveal about trusting our instincts?
reflection • deepOne way to read it
Our natural responses often protect us better than artificial enhancements. His immunity to plagues suggests that authentic living builds genuine resilience.
Critical Thinking Exercise
The Authenticity Audit
Think about three different versions of yourself: how you act at work, with family, and on social media. Write down what feels most natural versus what feels like performance. Notice where you're adding 'perfume'—extra layers to impress or hide—and where you're comfortable just being yourself.
Consider:
- •Which version of yourself feels most effortless and energizing?
- •Where do you feel pressure to 'enhance' or perform, and what might that signal?
- •How do people respond differently to your authentic versus performed self?
Journaling Prompt
Write about a time when you dropped the performance and just showed up as yourself. What happened? How did people respond, and how did it feel?
Coming Up Next...
Chapter 56: The Sacred and the Profane in Prayer
After natural scent and stinking cities, Montaigne turns to prayer. He will urge the Lord's Prayer on every occasion and condemn men who cross themselves at table then spend the day in malice.
