He who does not live in some degree for others hardly lives for himself.

— Michel de Montaigne

He who fears he shall suffer already suffers what he fears.

— Michel de Montaigne

He who fears he shall suffer, already suffers what he fears.

— Michel de Montaigne

How many things we held yesterday as articles of faith which today we tell as fables.

— Michel de Montaigne

I am afraid that our eyes are bigger than our stomachs, and that we have more curiosity than understanding. We grasp at everything, but catch nothing except wind.

— Michel de Montaigne

I care not so much what I am to others as what I am to myself. I will be rich by myself and not by borrowing.

— Michel de Montaigne

I do not believe, from what I have been told about this people, that there is anything barbarous or savage about them, except that we all call barbarous anything that is contrary to our own habits.

— Michel de Montaigne

I do not care so much what I am to others as I care what I am to myself.

— Michel de Montaigne

I enjoy books as misers enjoy treasures, because I know I can enjoy them whenever I please.

— Michel de Montaigne

I find I am much prouder of the victory I obtain over myself, when, in the very ardor of dispute, I make myself submit to my adversary’s force of reason, than I am pleased with the victory I obtain over him through his weakness.

— Michel de Montaigne