Chapter 1: Embracing Uncertainty

Welcome to The PATH (Monday Meditation), your weekly source of reflections aimed at enhancing daily living. This week, we delve deeper into the thoughts and philosophies of Michel de Montaigne, in our ongoing series dubbed "Mondays with Montaigne."

For previous insights, check out: The Wisdom of Montaigne: 12 Short Rules for Life.

Do you accept everything you hear at face value? Montaigne lived by the principle of "What do I know?" However, he did not advocate for total skepticism. In his essay, "That It Is Madness to Judge the True and the False from Our Own Capacities," he advised against extreme beliefs, advocating for moderation in both belief and disbelief.

Montaigne noted:

"How many implausible claims have been made by trustworthy individuals? If we are not convinced, we should at least remain open-minded. To dismiss them as impossible is to arrogantly assume we understand the boundaries of possibility."

He believed that a willingness to entertain various possibilities is essential, and cautioned against the folly of dismissing ideas simply because they seem improbable. He remarked that this tendency is a common flaw among those who consider themselves superior in understanding.

Our capacity to believe is often influenced by our past experiences. For instance, someone who has never encountered a river might mistake it for the ocean the first time they see it, as they often associate the largest objects they know with the boundaries of nature's creations.

"Nothing is so firmly believed as that which is least known." — Montaigne

Montaigne further elaborated,

"The reckless audacity that accompanies a disdain for the incomprehensible carries significant risks. Once you define the borders of truth and falsehood with your intellect, you might find yourself needing to accept ideas that are even more bizarre than those you previously dismissed."

How difficult is it to reconcile the contradictions in our judgments? How many beliefs that seemed solid yesterday now appear as mere myths? Montaigne pointed out that "vainglory and curiosity are the dual scourges of our souls. The former drives us to meddle in everything, while the latter prevents us from accepting anything as unresolved."

Final Reflections

Montaigne advocates for a balanced approach between the extremes of belief and disbelief. This concept resonates with Buddhist teachings, known as the middle way. The Buddha taught that "there is a middle path between indulgence and self-denial, free from sorrow and suffering; this is the path to peace and liberation in this life."

In "Wise Heart," meditation teacher Jack Kornfield explains that the middle way represents a balance between attachment and aversion, being and non-being, form and emptiness, as well as free will and determinism. As we explore this middle ground, we learn to navigate the interplay of opposites more effectively.

Our minds tend to categorize experiences as binary: left or right, up or down, belief or disbelief. Both Montaigne and the Buddha urge us to seek a different perspective—one that allows us to acknowledge the complexities of reality and embrace the tensions, paradoxes, and uncertainties of life.

Thank you for taking the time to reflect with us; I hope you found value in these insights.

— J.W. Bertolotti

Chapter 2: Learning from Montaigne's Wisdom

In her review of Montaigne's life lessons, Sarah Bakewell highlights key insights that can guide us in our personal journeys.

The first video, "8 Key Lessons from How to Live: Or A Life of Montaigne by Sarah Bakewell | Book Review," offers a comprehensive overview of Montaigne's teachings and their relevance to modern life.

The second video, "Sarah Bakewell: How Montaigne Became Montaigne," explores the evolution of Montaigne's philosophy and its impact on contemporary thought.