All the world knows me in my book, and my book in me.
Michel De MontaigneRead
I quote others only in order the better to express myself.
Interpretation
Using the words of others can enhance one's own expression.
This quote by Michel De Montaigne suggests that quoting others is not simply a matter of borrowing their words, but a strategic way of enriching one's own voice and thoughts. By incorporating the perspectives of others, one can convey ideas more effectively and resonate with their audience on a deeper level.
In practice
In a discussion about creativity, one might quote Montaigne to highlight the importance of using others' ideas to clarify one's own.
All the world knows me in my book, and my book in me.
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.
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.
There is not much less vexation in the government of a private family than in the managing of an entire state.
Those who have compared our life to a dream were right... we were sleeping wake, and waking sleep.
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.
The Church must breathe with her two lungs!
If a free society cannot help the many who are poor, it cannot save the few who are rich.
Humanitarian response, sustainable development, and sustaining peace are three sides of the same triangle.
His morality is all sympathy, just what morality should be
In faith there is enough light for those who want to believe and enough shadows to blind those who don't.
In practical life we are compelled to follow what is most probable ; in speculative thought we are compelled to follow truth.
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