All the world knows me in my book, and my book in me.
Michel De MontaigneRead
There is little less trouble in governing a private family than a whole kingdom.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Governance of a family can be as complex as governance of a larger society.
This quote by Michel De Montaigne suggests that managing the dynamics and responsibilities within a family can be just as difficult as overseeing an entire kingdom. It highlights the intricacies of interpersonal relationships and the challenges faced in maintaining order, harmony, and effective leadership in both small and large settings.
Themes
FamilyGovernanceRelationshipsLeadershipComplexity
In practice
Example use cases
A speaker at a family leadership seminar might use this quote to emphasize the importance of family dynamics.
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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