Michel de Montaigne Character Analysis

Michel de Montaigne was a famous French essayist whose honest self-examination can be compared to that of Samuel Johnson. Unlike Johnson, Montaigne had a wealthy, comfortable upbringing. At first, he believed he wanted to pursue a political life, but could not escape the feeling that he was living wrongly in some essential way. This made him depressed, and he set about to understand his depression through writing. He examined himself honestly and in solitude, hoping to understand human nature generally as a result. In his essays, he openly admitted to his faults, often in a cheerful, humorous tone. His easy-going nature and low expectations didn’t appeal to everyone; some people thought he was nihilistic and didn’t strive for any higher good. His self-examination led to self-acceptance, whereas Samuel Johnson passionately confronted himself, aiming for high moral good.