Chapter 97
The Art of Diversion
OF DIVERSION I was once employed in consoling a lady truly afflicted. Most of their mournings are artificial and ceremonious: “Uberibus semper lacrymis, semperque paratis, In statione subatque expectantibus illam, Quo jubeat manare modo.” [“A woman has ever a fountain of tears ready to gush up whenever she requires to make use of them.”--Juvenal, vi. 272.] A man goes the wrong way to work when he opposes this passion; for opposition does but irritate and make them more obstinate in sorrow; the evil is exasperated by discussion. We see, in common discourse, that what I have indifferently let fall from…
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Now let's explore the literary elements.
Key Quotes & Analysis
"took it into my head only to palliate the disease."
Context: Consolation tactic
Opening method.
In Today's Words:
Montaigne says he took it into his head only to palliate the disease while gulling the company fixed on him, not to cure grief at the root. Ease before proof. Sometimes the humane first move is to reduce intensity before you ask whether the suffering person can yet bear the full diagnosis.
"imperceptibly led her from that sorrowful thought, and kept her calm and in good-humour whilst I continued there."
Context: Gradual diversion
Central beat.
In Today's Words:
Montaigne imperceptibly led the afflicted lady from her sorrowful thought, keeping her calm while he bent discourse by little digressions nearer and farther from the purpose. Gradation works. Move conversation by degrees toward safer ground instead of announcing that you intend to fix what still feels unbearable.
"A little thing will turn and divert us, because a little thing holds us."
Context: Small triggers
Second half.
In Today's Words:
Montaigne says a little thing will turn and divert us because a little thing holds us; we heed superficial circumstances more than the subject in gross. Surface rules. Notice which trivial image, tone, or phrase actually moves you before you claim the whole situation is what wounds you.
"grief provokes itself."
Context: Close
Self-feeding sorrow.
In Today's Words:
Montaigne, citing Lucretius, says grief provokes itself with incitements that wound through word and tone though the solid essence barely changed. Loops feed loops. When mourning keeps returning to the same phrase or image, interrupt the ritual before the ritual becomes the grief's lasting engine.
Thematic Threads
Human Psychology
In This Chapter
Montaigne reveals how our minds work—we're moved more by tangible details than abstract truths
Development
Builds on earlier observations about self-knowledge and emotional patterns
In Your Life:
You might notice how small reminders trigger big emotions while major life changes feel abstract
Practical Wisdom
In This Chapter
He shares a tested technique for helping others through grief and applies it to his own heartbreak
Development
Continues theme of learning through experience rather than theory
In Your Life:
You can use this when comforting friends or managing your own difficult emotions
Social Navigation
In This Chapter
Understanding how to influence others through redirection rather than confrontation
Development
Expands on earlier themes about reading people and social situations
In Your Life:
You might apply this with difficult coworkers or family members who won't respond to direct approaches
Self-Management
In This Chapter
Montaigne deliberately fell in love with someone else to cure heartbreak
Development
Shows practical application of self-awareness for emotional healing
In Your Life:
You could use strategic focus shifts to break cycles of worry, anger, or sadness in your own life
Human Nature
In This Chapter
Accepts that being moved by small, superficial things isn't weakness but how we're built
Development
Reinforces theme of working with human nature rather than fighting it
In Your Life:
You can stop judging yourself for being affected by seemingly trivial triggers and work with this tendency instead
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 technique does Montaigne use to console the grieving woman instead of arguing against her sorrow?
analysis • surfaceOne way to read it
He gradually shifts the conversation to other topics, leading her away from grief without her noticing. He calls this 'diversion' rather than direct opposition.
- 2
Why does Montaigne say the Atalanta myth demonstrates his point about how diversion works on the mind?
analysis • mediumOne way to read it
The golden apples distract her from her goal just as our minds get caught by immediate, tangible details rather than staying focused on deeper purposes.
- 3
Where do you see people using diversion instead of direct confrontation in current conflicts or disagreements?
application • mediumOne way to read it
Politicians change the subject when pressed on difficult issues, or parents distract upset children rather than explaining why they can't have something.
- 4
How would you apply Montaigne's diversion strategy to help someone stuck in negative thinking patterns?
application • deepOne way to read it
Instead of telling them their worries are irrational, gradually introduce engaging activities or conversations that naturally shift their focus elsewhere, like Montaigne did.
- 5
What does Montaigne's observation about being moved by small details reveal about how human emotions actually work?
reflection • deepOne way to read it
We're wired to respond to immediate, sensory experiences more than abstract ideas. This isn't weakness but how our minds naturally process the world around us.
Critical Thinking Exercise
Map Your Distraction Toolkit
Think of a time when you were stuck in emotional pain - heartbreak, grief, anger, or anxiety. List three specific distractions that actually helped you feel better, and three that didn't work or made things worse. Then identify what made the helpful ones different from the unhelpful ones.
Consider:
- •Notice whether helpful distractions engaged your hands, mind, or body actively
- •Consider whether the distraction connected you to other people or isolated you further
- •Think about timing - some distractions work immediately, others only after the initial shock passes
Journaling Prompt
Write about someone in your life who might be stuck in an emotional spiral right now. Based on what you learned about yourself, what specific distraction or gentle redirection could you offer them this week?
Coming Up Next...
Chapter 98: Love, Lust, and Life's Pleasures
After diversion's small levers, Montaigne opens his essay on Virgil. Profitable thoughts will prove more cumbersome than gaiety, and age will preach temperance until he purposely runs a little into disorder.
