Chapter 74
Writing About Yourself Without Shame
OF GIVING THE LIE Well, but some one will say to me, this design of making a man’s self the subject of his writing, were indeed excusable in rare and famous men, who by their reputation had given others a curiosity to be fully informed of them. It is most true, I confess and know very well, that a mechanic will scarce lift his eyes from his work to look at an ordinary man, whereas a man will forsake his business and his shop to stare at an eminent person when he comes into a town. It misbecomes any other…
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Key Quotes & Analysis
"excusable in rare and famous men, who by their reputation had given others a curiosity to be fully informed of them."
Context: Self-writing doubt
Opening challenge.
In Today's Words:
Montaigne repeats the objection that making oneself the subject of writing were excusable only in rare and famous men with reputations to satisfy. Ordinary lives seem unworthy. Do not wait to be famous before you tell the truth about how you actually think and fail.
"corruption of manners is banishing truth; for, as Pindar says, to be true is the beginning of a great virtue, and the first article that Plato requires in the governor of his Republic."
Context: Age of lies
First decay.
In Today's Words:
Montaigne says the first thing done in the corruption of manners is banishing truth, so few can be believed about others or themselves. Lying comes first. When flattery becomes normal, treat every polished report as guilty until it names a cost Ask what evidence you have beyond the first appetite and social pressure..
"liberty of invective they practised upon one another, I mean the greatest chiefs of war of both nations, where words are only revenged with words, and do not proceed any farther."
Context: Verbal combat
Words not swords.
In Today's Words:
Montaigne praises the liberty of invective Greeks and Romans practised among their greatest war chiefs, answering insult with words alone. Frank speech can replace blows. Prefer sharp truth that stays verbal over smiles that store resentment for later harm Ask what evidence you have beyond the first appetite and social pressure..
"words are only revenged with words, and do not proceed any farther."
Context: Close
Limit of feud.
In Today's Words:
Montaigne says among those chiefs words were only revenged with words and did not proceed farther. Insult stayed verbal. When someone calls you a liar, answer at the level of speech first instead of escalating to permanent war Ask what evidence you have beyond the first appetite and social pressure..
Thematic Threads
Authenticity
In This Chapter
Montaigne argues his ordinariness and honest self-examination make his writing valuable, not impressive credentials
Development
Builds on earlier themes of self-knowledge, now showing authenticity as source of authority
In Your Life:
You might notice how people trust you more when you admit mistakes rather than trying to appear perfect
Self-Improvement
In This Chapter
Writing about himself has actually improved Montaigne—self-examination forces better behavior like posing for a portrait
Development
Develops from earlier introspection themes, now showing practical benefits of self-awareness
In Your Life:
You might find that honestly examining your own patterns helps you recognize and change them
Social Trust
In This Chapter
Lying destroys the basic trust that allows society to function—it shows contempt for God and cowardice toward humans
Development
Introduced here as foundation of all social relationships
In Your Life:
You might notice how small lies in relationships create distance while honesty builds deeper connection
Class Expectations
In This Chapter
Critics say only famous people should write about themselves—Montaigne rejects this hierarchical thinking
Development
Continues challenging social hierarchies, now about who deserves to have a voice
In Your Life:
You might recognize when others suggest your experiences or thoughts aren't worth sharing because of your background
Cultural Corruption
In This Chapter
Modern obsession with accusations of lying reveals how common dishonesty has become in society
Development
Builds on earlier observations about social decay, now focusing on breakdown of basic honesty
In Your Life:
You might notice how defensive people get about honesty because lying has become so normalized
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
Why does Montaigne say he's bolder to write about himself precisely because his subject is 'poor and sterile'?
analysis • surfaceOne way to read it
He argues that writing about an ordinary life can't be accused of showing off. Unlike Caesar or Alexander, he has no great deeds to boast about, so his honesty seems more genuine.
- 2
How does Montaigne's portrait metaphor explain why self-examination changes the person doing it?
analysis • mediumOne way to read it
Just as posing for a portrait makes you sit straighter and compose yourself better, writing honestly about yourself forces you to examine and improve your behavior in real time.
- 3
Where do you see Montaigne's observation that lying has become a 'way of speaking' rather than a vice in today's world?
application • mediumOne way to read it
Social media posts, political campaigns, and even casual conversations often involve exaggeration or selective truth-telling that we've normalized as just how people communicate.
- 4
How would you apply Montaigne's private library approach to sharing personal thoughts in our age of social media?
application • deepOne way to read it
You might keep a private journal for honest self-reflection, sharing only carefully chosen insights with close friends rather than broadcasting every thought to gain likes or followers.
- 5
What does Montaigne's claim that lying shows 'contempt of God and fear of men' reveal about the nature of authentic communication?
reflection • deepOne way to read it
Truth-telling requires courage toward other people and humility toward larger realities. Authentic communication becomes an act of both social bravery and spiritual honesty.
Critical Thinking Exercise
Test Your Authority Style
Think about a recent situation where you needed to establish credibility or authority - maybe explaining something to a coworker, giving advice to a friend, or handling a problem with your kids. Write down exactly what you said and did. Then rewrite that same interaction using Montaigne's approach: admit what you don't know, share your real experience including mistakes, and focus on honest self-examination rather than projecting expertise.
Consider:
- •Notice how your first version might have included subtle boasting or hiding uncertainty
- •Pay attention to which version would actually build more trust with the other person
- •Consider how the honest version might lead to better outcomes for everyone involved
Journaling Prompt
Write about a time when someone's honesty about their own struggles or mistakes made you trust them more. What specifically did they do that felt authentic rather than weak?
Coming Up Next...
Chapter 75: When Good Intentions Go Wrong
After defending self-writing and plain speech, Montaigne weighs France's religious war. Liberty of conscience will show how good intentions, pushed without moderation, turn even sincere Catholics toward unjust counsel and forced belief.
