Essays of Michel de Montaigne — Volume 17

** "Essays of Michel de Montaigne — Volume 17" by Michel de Montaigne is a collection of philosophical essays where the author shares his personal thoughts on what it means to be human, how society works, and the experience of life as a whole. The essays blend the author’s own stories and insights, encouraging readers to reflect on deeper truths about shallowness and what it means to exist as he ponders these concepts. The initial essay focuses on the idea of vanity, with Montaigne questioning whether writing about vanity is itself a vain act, realizing the contradiction in doing so. He thinks about how little many things in society matter and the many unimportant things that bother people. Montaigne uses stories and historical facts to criticize those who waste time on senseless arguments and activities, inferring true knowledge comes from understanding oneself and thinking deeply. Montaigne's honesty about his flaws and likes showcases his true wish to understand the disorder of life, which sets the stage for his philosophical explorations. **