Essays of Michel de Montaigne — Volume 16

"Essays of Michel de Montaigne — Volume 16" by Michel de Montaigne is a collection of philosophical essays written during the late 16th century. This volume explores a variety of themes such as the nature of greatness, fear, and social customs, showcasing Montaigne's keen observations and personal reflections on human behavior and society. The opening of this volume begins with the essay "Of Coaches," where Montaigne examines the influence of transportation methods on human behavior and societal development. He reflects on the discomforts associated with various modes of travel, expressing a preference for horseback riding over coaches or boats. This leads to broader discussions about the vanity of grandeur in leadership and the historical significance of transportation in warfare. By incorporating anecdotes from ancient histories and personal experiences, Montaigne captures the complexity of human nature and societal expectations, setting a reflective tone for the essays that follow. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Michel Eyquem, Seigneur de Montaigne, commonly known as Michel de Montaigne, was one of the most significant philosophers of the French Renaissance. He is known for popularizing the essay as a literary genre. His work is noted for its merging of casual anecdotes and autobiography with intellectual insight. Montaigne had a direct influence on numerous Western writers; his massive volume Essais contains some of the most influential essays ever written.