Chapter 88
Defending Your Heroes Against Critics
DEFENCE OF SENECA AND PLUTARCH The familiarity I have with these two authors, and the assistance they have lent to my age and to my book, wholly compiled of what I have borrowed from them, oblige me to stand up for their honour. As to Seneca, amongst a million of little pamphlets that those of the so-called reformed religion disperse abroad for the defence of their cause (and which sometimes proceed from so good a hand, that ‘tis pity his pen is not employed in a better subject), I have formerly seen one, that to make up the parallel he…
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Now let's explore the literary elements.
Key Quotes & Analysis
"oblige me to stand up for their honour."
Context: Defence motive
Opening debt.
In Today's Words:
Montaigne says his familiarity with Seneca and Plutarch and the assistance they lent his age and book oblige him to stand up for their honour. Debt demands voice. If an author shaped your thinking, you owe a fair defense when critics trade on scandal rather than reading.
"charge him with having taken incredible and impossible things for current pay, is to accuse the most judicious author in the world of want of judgment"
Context: Plutarch attacked
Fabulous charge.
In Today's Words:
Montaigne says Bodin charges Plutarch with taking incredible and impossible things for current pay, accusing the most judicious author of want of judgment. One story, total verdict. When a critic hangs an entire mind on one anecdote, check whether they are arguing in bad faith.
"Every one thinks that the sovereign stamp of human nature is imprinted in him, and that from it all others must take their rule; and that all proceedings which are not like his are feigned and false"
Context: Limited imagination
Second half.
In Today's Words:
Montaigne says every one thinks the sovereign stamp of human nature is imprinted in him and proceedings unlike his are feigned and false. Self as measure. If you only believe what you could do yourself, you will misread every greatness that exceeds your stamp Notice what repeats before you respond..
"gives of every one a particular and separate judgment."
Context: Close
Case-by-case.
In Today's Words:
Montaigne says Plutarch in his parallels gives of every one a particular and separate judgment, with no general preference. Compare with care. Fair parallel work judges manners and parts, not only which nation has the louder historical glare Notice what repeats before you respond. Notice what repeats before you respond..
Thematic Threads
Identity
In This Chapter
Montaigne's identity is so intertwined with his intellectual heroes that attacking them feels like attacking him personally
Development
Builds on earlier themes about how we construct ourselves from the ideas and people we admire
In Your Life:
You might feel this when someone criticizes a mentor, teacher, or influencer who shaped your professional approach
Class
In This Chapter
Montaigne defends classical authors against modern critics, showing how intellectual allegiances create social divisions
Development
Continues exploration of how cultural knowledge creates class boundaries and loyalties
In Your Life:
You see this when people defend their educational background or dismiss others' learning sources as inferior
Social Expectations
In This Chapter
Critics expect ancient figures to behave by modern standards, missing the context of their times
Development
Extends earlier discussions about judging people by inappropriate standards
In Your Life:
You might catch yourself judging older family members by today's values instead of understanding their generation
Human Relationships
In This Chapter
The deep loyalty Montaigne feels toward writers he's never met shows how intellectual bonds can be as strong as personal ones
Development
New thread exploring how we form relationships with ideas and their creators across time and distance
In Your Life:
You form similar bonds with authors, podcasters, or online teachers whose ideas resonate with your experience
Personal Growth
In This Chapter
Montaigne's defense reveals how we protect the sources of our own development and learning
Development
Builds on themes about how we construct our evolving selves through chosen influences
In Your Life:
You might defend a book, course, or mentor that changed your life, even when others question their value
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 defend Seneca against accusations of corruption and hypocrisy?
analysis • surfaceOne way to read it
Montaigne argues the critic relies on unreliable Greek sources like Dion while ignoring Roman historians and Seneca's own writings that clearly show his virtue.
- 2
How does Montaigne's example of tortured peasants support his defense of the Spartan boy story?
analysis • mediumOne way to read it
He shows that extraordinary endurance isn't fictional by citing real examples from his time, proving that what seems impossible to critics actually happens regularly.
- 3
Where do you see people today dismissing others' capabilities based on their own limitations?
application • mediumOne way to read it
Social media often shows this when people call athletic records 'impossible' or dismiss others' achievements as fake because they can't imagine doing it themselves.
- 4
How would you defend someone you admire against unfair criticism using Montaigne's approach?
application • deepOne way to read it
Check the critic's sources, look at the person's own work and words, and provide concrete examples that counter the accusations rather than just arguing emotions.
- 5
What does Montaigne's loyalty to his intellectual heroes reveal about how we should evaluate sources and testimony?
reflection • deepOne way to read it
We should weigh the reliability of witnesses, consider multiple perspectives, and avoid judging extraordinary people by ordinary standards or limited personal experience.
Critical Thinking Exercise
Map Your Influence Network
Draw a simple map with yourself in the center. Around you, write the names of 5-7 people who significantly shaped how you think about work, relationships, or life. For each person, note one key idea or approach you learned from them. Then honestly assess: if someone criticized these influences today, which ones would make you most defensive and why?
Consider:
- •Notice which influences feel most central to your identity
- •Consider whether your defensiveness protects the idea or your ego
- •Think about how you can separate useful wisdom from personal attachment
Journaling Prompt
Write about a time when someone criticized a person or method that was important to you. How did you react, and what did that reaction teach you about yourself?
Coming Up Next...
Chapter 89: The Story of Spurina
After defending his teachers, Montaigne tells Spurina's story. A youth of terrifying beauty will slash his own face rather than let others sin through looking, and Montaigne will ask whether mutilation beats moderation.
