All the world knows me in my book, and my book in me.
Michel De MontaigneRead
What enriches language is its being handled and exploited by beautiful minds-not so much by making innovations as by expanding it through more vigorous and varied applications, by extending it and deploying it. It is not words that they contribute: what they do is enrich their words, deepen their meanings and tie down their usage; they teach it unaccustomed rhythms, prudently though and with ingenuity.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The enrichment of language comes not merely from innovation but from thoughtful application by insightful individuals.
This quote by Michel de Montaigne emphasizes that the true enrichment of language is achieved through the varied and creative use of words by insightful minds. It suggests that rather than solely creating new words, the depth and meaning of language expand when individuals engage with and adapt existing vocabulary in innovative ways, teaching it new rhythms and applications.
Themes
LanguageCreativityApplicationMeaningInsight
In practice
Example use cases
In a workshop on creative writing, a speaker might use this quote to inspire participants to explore existing language in new ways.
More from Michel De Montaigne
All quotes →All I say is by way of discourse, and nothing by way of advice. I should not speak so boldly if it were my due to be believed.
Michel De MontaigneRead
Pythagoras used to say that life resembles the Olympic Games: a few people strain their muscles to carry off a prize; others bring trinkets to sell to the crowd for gain; and some there are, and not the worst, who seek no other profit than to look at the show and see how and why everything is done; spectators of the life of other people in order to judge and regulate their own.
Michel De MontaigneRead
There is not much less vexation in the government of a private family than in the managing of an entire state.
Michel De MontaigneRead
Those who have compared our life to a dream were right... we were sleeping wake, and waking sleep.
Michel De MontaigneRead
Such as are in immediate fear of a losing their estates, of banishment, or of slavery, live in perpetual anguish, and lose all appetite and repose; whereas such as are actually poor, slaves, or exiles, ofttimes live as merrily as other folk.
Michel De MontaigneRead
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