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Un été avec #1
Un été avec Montaigne
Les gens seraient étendus sur la plage ou bien, sirotant un apéritif, ils s’apprêteraient à déjeuner, et ils entendraient causer de Montaigne sur le poste. Quand Philippe Val m’a demandé de parler des Essais sur France Inter durant l’été, quelques minutes chaque jour de la semaine, l’idée m’a semblé très bizarre, et le défi si risqué que je n’ai pas osé m’y soustraire. D’abord, réduire Montaigne à des extraits, c’était absolument contraire à tout ce que j’avais appris, aux conceptions régnantes du temps où j’étais étudiant. À l’époque, l’on dénonçait la morale traditionnelle tirée des Essais sous la forme de sentences et l’on prônait le retour au texte dans sa complexité et ses contradictions. Quiconque aurait osé découper Montaigne et le servir en morceaux aurait été aussitôt ridiculisé, traité de minus habens, voué aux poubelles de l’histoire comme un avatar de Pierre Charron, l’auteur d’un Traité de la sagesse fait de maximes empruntées aux Essais. Revenir sur un tel interdit, ou trouver comment le contourner, la provocation était tentante. Ensuite, choisir une quarantaine de passages de quelques lignes afin de les gloser brièvement, d’en montrer à la fois l’épaisseur historique et la portée actuelle, la gageure paraissait intenable. Fallait-il choisir les pages au hasard, comme saint Augustin ouvrant la Bible ? Prier une main innocente de les désigner ? Ou bien traverser au galop les grands thèmes de l’œuvre ? Donner un aperçu de sa richesse et de sa diversité ? Ou encore me contenter de retenir certains de mes fragments préférés, sans souci d’unité ni d’exhaustivité ? J’ai fait tout cela à la fois, sans ordre ni préméditation. Enfin, occuper l’antenne à l’heure de Lucien Jeunesse, auquel je dois la meilleure part de ma culture adolescente, c’était une offre qui ne se refuse pas. » En 40 chapitres, Antoine Compagnon interprète Montaigne d'une façon claire, limpide, drôle. De l'engagement jusqu'au trône du monde en passant par la conversation ou l'éducation. Professeur au collège de France, ce grand spécialiste de l'autobiographie nous présente un Montaigne estival qui permet de bronzer notre âme. L’été avec Montaigne bénéficiera d'une forte promotion sur l'antenne de France Inter (Messages et émissions).
169 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published May 16, 2013
About the author
Antoine Compagnon
104 books61 followersProfesseur de littérature française à la Sorbonne, à l'université Columbia de New York et au Collège de France
Né le 20 juillet 1950 à Bruxelles, dans une famille de six enfants. Son père, le général Jean Compagnon fait la guerre de 1940 puis les guerres d’Indochine et d’Algérie. Orphelin de mère à quatorze ans, il passe son enfance à Londres, Tunis, Washington et fait sa classe de rhétorique dans un lycée militaire de la Sarthe.
Ancien élève de l'Ecole polytechnique, ingénieur des ponts et chaussées et docteur ès lettres, Antoine Compagnon est maître de conférences à l'Ecole polytechnique (1978-1985), professeur à l'Institut français du Royaume-Uni à Londres (1980-1981), à l'université Columbia à New York depuis 1985, à l'université du Mans (1989-1990) et à l'université Paris 4 (1994-2006). Il est également membre du Conseil national de l'enseignement supérieur et de la recherche (Cneser) de 2002 à 2007 et de la Commission Pochard sur la revalorisation du métier d'enseignant (2007).
Professeur de littérature française au Collège de France depuis 2006, il est membre, entre autres, du comité de rédaction des revues telles que Critique, The Romanic Review, Bulletin de la Société des amis de Montaigne, The French Review, Genesis, Cambridge Studies in French, L'Année Baudelaire, Revue d'histoire littéraire de la France, Les Cahiers du judaïsme.
Spécialiste de Montaigne et de Proust, il écrit de nombreux ouvrages sur la littérature.
En 2012, il reçoit le titre de Professeur Honoris causa d'HEC : « La littérature, ça paye ».
Antoine Compagnon est chevalier de la Légion d'honneur et commandeur des Palmes académiques.
http://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Antoine_...
Né le 20 juillet 1950 à Bruxelles, dans une famille de six enfants. Son père, le général Jean Compagnon fait la guerre de 1940 puis les guerres d’Indochine et d’Algérie. Orphelin de mère à quatorze ans, il passe son enfance à Londres, Tunis, Washington et fait sa classe de rhétorique dans un lycée militaire de la Sarthe.
Ancien élève de l'Ecole polytechnique, ingénieur des ponts et chaussées et docteur ès lettres, Antoine Compagnon est maître de conférences à l'Ecole polytechnique (1978-1985), professeur à l'Institut français du Royaume-Uni à Londres (1980-1981), à l'université Columbia à New York depuis 1985, à l'université du Mans (1989-1990) et à l'université Paris 4 (1994-2006). Il est également membre du Conseil national de l'enseignement supérieur et de la recherche (Cneser) de 2002 à 2007 et de la Commission Pochard sur la revalorisation du métier d'enseignant (2007).
Professeur de littérature française au Collège de France depuis 2006, il est membre, entre autres, du comité de rédaction des revues telles que Critique, The Romanic Review, Bulletin de la Société des amis de Montaigne, The French Review, Genesis, Cambridge Studies in French, L'Année Baudelaire, Revue d'histoire littéraire de la France, Les Cahiers du judaïsme.
Spécialiste de Montaigne et de Proust, il écrit de nombreux ouvrages sur la littérature.
En 2012, il reçoit le titre de Professeur Honoris causa d'HEC : « La littérature, ça paye ».
Antoine Compagnon est chevalier de la Légion d'honneur et commandeur des Palmes académiques.
http://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Antoine_...
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June 27, 2024
3.5 stars
This book consists of 40 short chapters, each dealing with one of Montaigne's essays from his famous book The Essays.
In each chapter, the author, a professor of French literature, quotes the passages from The Essays and then gives a brief commentary on the issues discussed. The themes vary, and at least some of them relate to pertinent features of human societies. Compagnon briefly looks at a historical context and explains the ideas behind the essays or how he sees them. He also provides some facts about the life and times of Michel Montaigne, without going into detail.
The French philosopher is known for his appreciation of skepticism and his praise of a stoic approach to life. In the midst of a brutal political and religious conflict, Montaigne sought refuge by isolating himself in his estate, where he could read and write and hope to be at peace with himself.
Before retiring, he occasionally served as a mediator between Catholics and Protestants. Montaigne's stance on the sectarian conflict in his country shows that you can reject both extremist narratives. In some cases, you should avoid taking sides and instead focus on dialogue and reaching a compromise.
Many pages in the Essays paint a picture of daily life in wartime — "civil war, the worst kind—in which we are never sure if we will wake up tomorrow as free men, and we are obliged to leave our fate in the hands of chance, counting on luck for our survival."
The book is based on Compagnon's radio talks. Given its length and format, one has to keep in mind that it is not meant to be an in-depth study of the subject or a biography of Montaigne.
One of the positives of this book is that it might awaken the reader's interest in Montaigne, his philosophy, and his time and age. Those were turbulent times, with wars of religion devastating France and its people.
Overall, it was a nice and easy read. I underlined quite a lot while reading.
Here are a few highlights from the book.
Montaigne argues that there is no better education than traveling. Exploring unknown places can teach us skepticism by showing us "the richness of nature" and "the relativity of customs and belief." Michel himself greatly enjoyed riding horseback.
In his writing, Montaigne tends to go straight to the point, rejecting stylistic effects. His ideal language is "concrete, toothsome, physical." It can be summed up as “the same in writing as in speaking.” Writing was for Montaigne "the great register, the guestbook of check-ins and check-outs."
Montaigne was one of the earliest critics of colonialism.
Doubt is often a clear sign of intelligence.
Montaigne does not deny the truth, but he doubts that it is accessible to man alone.
Famously skeptical, he chose as his motto “Que sais-je?” (“What do I know?”), and as his emblem, a set of scales. But ignorance is no reason for despair.
One of the most significant thinkers of the French Renaissance warns us not to be dishonest with ourselves.
Keeping a certain sense of humor or irony is commendable and sometimes essential.
Montaigne comments on the teaching practices: “We should rather examine, who is better learned, than who is more learned. We only labor to stuff the memory, and leave the conscience and the understanding unfurnished and void.”
This book consists of 40 short chapters, each dealing with one of Montaigne's essays from his famous book The Essays.
In each chapter, the author, a professor of French literature, quotes the passages from The Essays and then gives a brief commentary on the issues discussed. The themes vary, and at least some of them relate to pertinent features of human societies. Compagnon briefly looks at a historical context and explains the ideas behind the essays or how he sees them. He also provides some facts about the life and times of Michel Montaigne, without going into detail.
The French philosopher is known for his appreciation of skepticism and his praise of a stoic approach to life. In the midst of a brutal political and religious conflict, Montaigne sought refuge by isolating himself in his estate, where he could read and write and hope to be at peace with himself.
Before retiring, he occasionally served as a mediator between Catholics and Protestants. Montaigne's stance on the sectarian conflict in his country shows that you can reject both extremist narratives. In some cases, you should avoid taking sides and instead focus on dialogue and reaching a compromise.
Many pages in the Essays paint a picture of daily life in wartime — "civil war, the worst kind—in which we are never sure if we will wake up tomorrow as free men, and we are obliged to leave our fate in the hands of chance, counting on luck for our survival."
The book is based on Compagnon's radio talks. Given its length and format, one has to keep in mind that it is not meant to be an in-depth study of the subject or a biography of Montaigne.
One of the positives of this book is that it might awaken the reader's interest in Montaigne, his philosophy, and his time and age. Those were turbulent times, with wars of religion devastating France and its people.
Overall, it was a nice and easy read. I underlined quite a lot while reading.
Here are a few highlights from the book.
Montaigne argues that there is no better education than traveling. Exploring unknown places can teach us skepticism by showing us "the richness of nature" and "the relativity of customs and belief." Michel himself greatly enjoyed riding horseback.
In his writing, Montaigne tends to go straight to the point, rejecting stylistic effects. His ideal language is "concrete, toothsome, physical." It can be summed up as “the same in writing as in speaking.” Writing was for Montaigne "the great register, the guestbook of check-ins and check-outs."
Montaigne was one of the earliest critics of colonialism.
Doubt is often a clear sign of intelligence.
Montaigne does not deny the truth, but he doubts that it is accessible to man alone.
Famously skeptical, he chose as his motto “Que sais-je?” (“What do I know?”), and as his emblem, a set of scales. But ignorance is no reason for despair.
One of the most significant thinkers of the French Renaissance warns us not to be dishonest with ourselves.
Keeping a certain sense of humor or irony is commendable and sometimes essential.
Montaigne comments on the teaching practices: “We should rather examine, who is better learned, than who is more learned. We only labor to stuff the memory, and leave the conscience and the understanding unfurnished and void.”
July 15, 2025
تابستان با مونتنی کتابیست از آنتوان کومپنیون، نویسنده و استاد ادبیات فرانسوی، او کوشیده در قالب چهل گفتار کوتاه و مستقل، خواننده را با اندیشههای میشل دو مونتنی—فیلسوف نامدار قرن شانزدهم فرانسه—آشنا کند. این گفتارها هرکدام به یکی از موضوعات بنیادین زندگی از نگاه مونتنی میپردازند؛ موضوعاتی همچون مرگ ؛ دوستی، صداقت، نوشتن، و هنر خوب زیستن. نویسنده با زبانی ساده ، تفکرات مونتنی را از دل جستارها بیرون کشیده و در قالب تأملاتی کوتاه، در اختیار خوانندهٔ امروزی میگذارد. کومپنیون این گونه کوشیده تا خواننده را با دنیای مونتنی آشنا کند .
او دربارهٔ مرگ مینویسد و نشان میدهد که مونتنی آن را بخشی طبیعی از زندگی میدانست؛ چیزی که باید با آن آشتی کرد، نه گریخت. به دوستی میپردازد و از رابطهٔ بینظیر مونتنی با اتین دولا بوئسی میگوید؛ دوستیای که مونتنی آن را عمیقتر و شریفتر از عشق میداند.
در بخشهایی به نوشتن پرداخته ، مونتنی نوشتن را نه برای آموزش یا تبلیغ، بلکه راهی برای خودکاوی و شناخت خویشتن میداند. بدن و بیماری در نگاه مونتنی جایگاه خاصی دارد؛ او بهجای امید بستن به پزشکی ناپایدار زمانهاش، بیشتر به درک درونی از بدن خویش متکی بوده. مونتنی دربارهٔ صداقت در سیاست هم نظر دارد؛ او برخلاف عادت رایج زمانه، معتقد بوده صداقت بر فریبکاری برتری دارد.
او از تغییر و نوآوری نیز میگوید، اما نه با شور انقلابی، بلکه با احتیاط و در بستر جنگهای مذهبی و ناپایداریهای سیاسی عصر خود. در نگاه او، هر نوآوری الزاماً پیشرفت نیست. مونتنی مرتب از خود میپرسد چه میدانم؟ و این جمله را بهعنوان شعار فلسفی خود برمیگزیند و آن را جهل فاضلانه می داند. او از تردید نمیترسد بلکه آن را راهی برای آزاد ماندن ذهن و تفکر میداند.
مونتنی به ظاهر و باطن نیز توجه میکند؛ او خودش را بینقاب معرفی میکند، با تمام ضعفها و تردیدهایش. آزادی اندیشه برایش حیاتیست و از تعصب گریزان است، چه مذهبی و چه سیاسی . باور دارد آزادی فکری، سنگبنای زیستن خوب است. کومپنیون به سفر، کتابخوانی، سادهزیستی، آزادی فردی، و حتی تجربهٔ گذر زمان هم پرداخته؛ تجربههایی که هم فلسفیاند، هم انسانی، هم روزمره.
در نهایت، تابستان با مونتنی میکوشد پلی باشد میان اندیشههای یک فیلسوف قرن شانزدهمی با ذهن ناآرام انسان مدرن؛ اما شاید این پل در نهایت بیش از آنکه برپایهٔ نیازهای واقعی امروز ساخته شده باشد، بر نوستالژی گفتوگویی از دسترفته بنا شده باشد . مونتنی، با همهٔ عمق انسانیاش، از جهانی میآید که دور است و آرام، و فارغ از تشویشهای دیوانه کننده دوران ما. نتیجه آن است که بسیاری از این جستارها، گرچه در ظاهر ساده و پرجاذبهاند، در عمل بیشتر حس انفعال و دلزدگی را منتقل میکنند تا بینش نو.
او دربارهٔ مرگ مینویسد و نشان میدهد که مونتنی آن را بخشی طبیعی از زندگی میدانست؛ چیزی که باید با آن آشتی کرد، نه گریخت. به دوستی میپردازد و از رابطهٔ بینظیر مونتنی با اتین دولا بوئسی میگوید؛ دوستیای که مونتنی آن را عمیقتر و شریفتر از عشق میداند.
در بخشهایی به نوشتن پرداخته ، مونتنی نوشتن را نه برای آموزش یا تبلیغ، بلکه راهی برای خودکاوی و شناخت خویشتن میداند. بدن و بیماری در نگاه مونتنی جایگاه خاصی دارد؛ او بهجای امید بستن به پزشکی ناپایدار زمانهاش، بیشتر به درک درونی از بدن خویش متکی بوده. مونتنی دربارهٔ صداقت در سیاست هم نظر دارد؛ او برخلاف عادت رایج زمانه، معتقد بوده صداقت بر فریبکاری برتری دارد.
او از تغییر و نوآوری نیز میگوید، اما نه با شور انقلابی، بلکه با احتیاط و در بستر جنگهای مذهبی و ناپایداریهای سیاسی عصر خود. در نگاه او، هر نوآوری الزاماً پیشرفت نیست. مونتنی مرتب از خود میپرسد چه میدانم؟ و این جمله را بهعنوان شعار فلسفی خود برمیگزیند و آن را جهل فاضلانه می داند. او از تردید نمیترسد بلکه آن را راهی برای آزاد ماندن ذهن و تفکر میداند.
مونتنی به ظاهر و باطن نیز توجه میکند؛ او خودش را بینقاب معرفی میکند، با تمام ضعفها و تردیدهایش. آزادی اندیشه برایش حیاتیست و از تعصب گریزان است، چه مذهبی و چه سیاسی . باور دارد آزادی فکری، سنگبنای زیستن خوب است. کومپنیون به سفر، کتابخوانی، سادهزیستی، آزادی فردی، و حتی تجربهٔ گذر زمان هم پرداخته؛ تجربههایی که هم فلسفیاند، هم انسانی، هم روزمره.
در نهایت، تابستان با مونتنی میکوشد پلی باشد میان اندیشههای یک فیلسوف قرن شانزدهمی با ذهن ناآرام انسان مدرن؛ اما شاید این پل در نهایت بیش از آنکه برپایهٔ نیازهای واقعی امروز ساخته شده باشد، بر نوستالژی گفتوگویی از دسترفته بنا شده باشد . مونتنی، با همهٔ عمق انسانیاش، از جهانی میآید که دور است و آرام، و فارغ از تشویشهای دیوانه کننده دوران ما. نتیجه آن است که بسیاری از این جستارها، گرچه در ظاهر ساده و پرجاذبهاند، در عمل بیشتر حس انفعال و دلزدگی را منتقل میکنند تا بینش نو.
December 21, 2024
کتاب "یک تابستان با مونتنی" اثر آنتوان کومپنیون، مانندکتاب یک تابستان با پروست برام جذاب بود... چون اطلاعات کلی، خلاصه و جالبی در مورد نویسندهی مورد نظر میدهد....این کتاب هم به بررسی زندگی و آثار فلسفی مونتنی، فیلسوف و نویسنده فرانسوی قرن شانزدهم پرداخته.... این کتاب به صورت یک سفرنامه نوشته شده است و نویسنده در آن تلاش میکند تا خوانندگان را با جنبههای مختلف زندگی و تفکرات مونتنی آشنا کند. نویسنده ابعادی از فلسفه زندگی مونتنی را بررسی میکند و نشان میدهد که چگونه مشاهدات او دربارهی انسان، جامعه و زندگی روزمره، میتواند به ما در درک بهتر زندگی امروز کمک کند... البته بعضی جاها با برخی دیدگاههاش موافق نبودم... برای همین لازمهی خوندنش علاقه به فلسفه و زندگینامه هست...
سبک نگارش کومپنیون عالیه و به گونهایه که خواننده را درگیر میکند و احساس میکند که در حال گفتگو با یک دوست است. نویسنده به خوبی نشان میدهد که ( برخی، به نظرم) از آموزههای مونتنی هنوز هم در دنیای امروز کاربرد دارد و میتواند به ما کمک کند. کتاب چالشهای فکری مختلفی را مطرح کرده است.... و با اینکه حجم کتاب کمه اما نویسنده تونسته تصویری غنی و شخصی از اثر مونتنی و تاثیرات آن بر زندگی خودش ارائه بدهد و به بررسی موضوعات مهمی مانند مرگ، عشق، دوستی، تنهایی، و ماهیت انسان پرداخته...
سبک نگارش کومپنیون عالیه و به گونهایه که خواننده را درگیر میکند و احساس میکند که در حال گفتگو با یک دوست است. نویسنده به خوبی نشان میدهد که ( برخی، به نظرم) از آموزههای مونتنی هنوز هم در دنیای امروز کاربرد دارد و میتواند به ما کمک کند. کتاب چالشهای فکری مختلفی را مطرح کرده است.... و با اینکه حجم کتاب کمه اما نویسنده تونسته تصویری غنی و شخصی از اثر مونتنی و تاثیرات آن بر زندگی خودش ارائه بدهد و به بررسی موضوعات مهمی مانند مرگ، عشق، دوستی، تنهایی، و ماهیت انسان پرداخته...
January 14, 2021
3, 93.
În vara anului 2012, autorul a făcut 40 de emisiuni la France Inter, în care a vorbit pe înțelesul tuturor despre Montaigne și eseurile sale. Peste un an, în vara lui 2013, a adunat intervențiile într-un volum.
Cartea a avut un succes neașteptat, a devenit imediat bestseller și s-a vîndut în aproape 200.000 de exemplare, ceea ce este, să recunoaștem, enorm pentru o carte de filosofie. Nu are rost s-o rezum aici. Nici nu se recomandă. Am ales cîteva fragmente din carte, le-am tradus cum m-am priceput, și am alcătuit, „ad usum Delphini”, o mică antologie. Dacă aveți răbdare, veți afla ce gîndește Compagnon despre Montaigne...
„Ce spune, de fapt, Montaigne? Că în singurătate, în loc să-și găsească statornicia și seninătatea, a întîlnit angoasa și neliniștea. Această maladie spirituală este melancolia, sau acedia, depresia care lovea monahii în orele amiezii, timpul ispitei” (p.47).
„A iubi prea tare călătoria înseamnă a te arăta incapabil de a te opri, de a lua o hotărîre, de a te fixa într-un loc; înseamnă, deci, a nu îndrăzni să iei o decizie, a prefera stăruinței agitația. Din acest motiv, pentru Montaigne, călătoria este metafora vieții” (p.55).
„Montaigne își bate joc de el însuși și de opera lui, comparîndu-se cu un simplu meșteșugar: cartea lui nu este decît o colecție de fragmente juxtapuse, un mozaic de piese disparate, un amestec pestriț, pe care nimic nu-l poate împiedica să se întindă indefinit, după împrejurări” (p.86).
„Să nu confundăm ceea ce facem cu ceea ce sîntem; să păstrăm o distanță între lăuntrul nostru și acțiunile noastre” (p.90).
„Cărțile sînt însoțitori mereu accesibili. Bătrînețe, solitudine, lene, plictis, durere, anxietate: nu există nici un rău obișnuit al vieții căruia cărțile să nu-i poată oferi un remediu, cu condiția ca aceste rele să nu fie prea intense. Cărțile moderează grijile, oferă un sprijin și un ajutor” (p.107).
În vara anului 2012, autorul a făcut 40 de emisiuni la France Inter, în care a vorbit pe înțelesul tuturor despre Montaigne și eseurile sale. Peste un an, în vara lui 2013, a adunat intervențiile într-un volum.
Cartea a avut un succes neașteptat, a devenit imediat bestseller și s-a vîndut în aproape 200.000 de exemplare, ceea ce este, să recunoaștem, enorm pentru o carte de filosofie. Nu are rost s-o rezum aici. Nici nu se recomandă. Am ales cîteva fragmente din carte, le-am tradus cum m-am priceput, și am alcătuit, „ad usum Delphini”, o mică antologie. Dacă aveți răbdare, veți afla ce gîndește Compagnon despre Montaigne...
„Ce spune, de fapt, Montaigne? Că în singurătate, în loc să-și găsească statornicia și seninătatea, a întîlnit angoasa și neliniștea. Această maladie spirituală este melancolia, sau acedia, depresia care lovea monahii în orele amiezii, timpul ispitei” (p.47).
„A iubi prea tare călătoria înseamnă a te arăta incapabil de a te opri, de a lua o hotărîre, de a te fixa într-un loc; înseamnă, deci, a nu îndrăzni să iei o decizie, a prefera stăruinței agitația. Din acest motiv, pentru Montaigne, călătoria este metafora vieții” (p.55).
„Montaigne își bate joc de el însuși și de opera lui, comparîndu-se cu un simplu meșteșugar: cartea lui nu este decît o colecție de fragmente juxtapuse, un mozaic de piese disparate, un amestec pestriț, pe care nimic nu-l poate împiedica să se întindă indefinit, după împrejurări” (p.86).
„Să nu confundăm ceea ce facem cu ceea ce sîntem; să păstrăm o distanță între lăuntrul nostru și acțiunile noastre” (p.90).
„Cărțile sînt însoțitori mereu accesibili. Bătrînețe, solitudine, lene, plictis, durere, anxietate: nu există nici un rău obișnuit al vieții căruia cărțile să nu-i poată oferi un remediu, cu condiția ca aceste rele să nu fie prea intense. Cărțile moderează grijile, oferă un sprijin și un ajutor” (p.107).
April 5, 2023
Antoine Compagnon, a Professor of French Literature, was asked to give a series of short talks on a summer radio program on France Inter. His subject was to be Michel de Montaigne's "Essays," written in the 16th Century (The Complete Essays).
Compagnon's summer radio program led to this book of forty short chapters about Montaigne's life, works, and insight about living well. Montaigne is presented thoughtfully with his contradictions, brilliance, and humor. He lived in a volatile time during a series of wars of religion in France. There are quotes from Montaigne's "Essays" included in each chapter as well as occasional thoughts pertaining to our present time. This is a good introduction to Montaigne for a reader who wants a short overview written in a conversational manner. My only quibble is that the book does not have an index in the back. 3.5 stars.
Compagnon's summer radio program led to this book of forty short chapters about Montaigne's life, works, and insight about living well. Montaigne is presented thoughtfully with his contradictions, brilliance, and humor. He lived in a volatile time during a series of wars of religion in France. There are quotes from Montaigne's "Essays" included in each chapter as well as occasional thoughts pertaining to our present time. This is a good introduction to Montaigne for a reader who wants a short overview written in a conversational manner. My only quibble is that the book does not have an index in the back. 3.5 stars.
December 22, 2014
Deliziosa trascrizione di brevi "conversazioni radiofoniche", aventi per argomento gli "Essais". Eccellente introduzione alla lettura. Chi è incline a tale tipo di letteratura, e fino ad ora ha esitato, vi troverà eccellenti stimoli. Chi invece non la ama, potrà almeno farsi un'idea.
February 22, 2023
در مقایسه با کتاب چطور زندگی کنیم سارا بیکول و کتاب اندیشه مونتنی پیتر برک، حرف زیادی برای گفتن نداشت. هیچوقت از مونتنی خوندن خسته نمیشم و این کتاب هم یادآوری بدی نبود. هرچند بهتر بود نویسنده به جای چهل فصل کوتاه، تعداد کمتری از ویژگیهای مونتنی رو انتخاب میکرد و روی اونها با حوصله بیشتری مانور میداد. مونتنی میدونست پایان کجاست و چه موقع باید از سر میز بلند بشه. این من رو شیفتهی خودش میکنه
November 21, 2016
Un banquete de la más alta cultura francesa. Antoine Compagnon es posiblemente el máximo especialista mundial en Michel de Montaigne. Este libro presenta 40 capítulos breves en los que Compagnon habla de Montaigne, de sus Ensayos. Inicialmente, Compagnon preparó estos microensayos para presentar en un programa de radio, unos minutos cada día, durante el verano francés de 2012. Luego, estos contenidos tomaron la forma de libro. La selección de temas y su lectura son en sí mismas ejercicios ensayísticos al estilo Montaigne, es decir, hay arbitrariedad, contradicción, permanente oscilación entre posturas antagónicas y, por encima de todo, una lucidez que arrasa con todo. El núcleo estético del Montaigne alegórico es el de un renacentista que se anticipó a la Modernidad sin dejar de convivir con los clásicos de Grecia y Roma. Una lectura filosófica de este libro deja al lector en estado de conmoción total por el escepticismo de Montaigne. Una lectura literaria de este libro deja al lector una experiencia transformadora de lo que significa la literatura. Montaigne es sus Ensayos. Los Ensayos son Montaigne. Le equivalencia es total, como en la lógica clásica. Sin embargo, este libro no se cierra en lo filosófico o en lo literario. Por el contrario, se deja leer como cada lector quiera leerlo. El lector que convoca es un radioescucha transeúnte. En una jugada que sólo puede ser lograda por alguien que entendió a Montaigne, Compagnon se las arregla para que el libro sea edificante. Protolibertino y edificante a la vez. Creo que éste es un corolario posible de su célebre pregunta: ¿Qué se yo?
December 2, 2019
A Summer with Montaigne written by Antoine Compagnon is a product of his radio broadcast on Montaigne’s “Essays” spanning an entire summer. Asked to talk about Montaigne’s magnum opus for an audience, Compagnon found himself in a tough spot. He couldn’t think of the right way to condense Montaigne’s writing to fit a tiny time slot. But he went ahead anyway, and the result of his undertaking is this brief book.
What I have managed to grasp from my rendezvous with A Summer with Montaigne is that Montaigne’s Essays weren’t meant as treatise but as “thought experiments.” Montaigne freely admitted to his own fallibility and mutability. He had no qualms in accepting that the views he held while writing his book might not endure with time. It’s for this reason that he emerges as an endearing figure whose intention wasn’t to preach but only to record his feelings on various subjects. The fact that his work went on to influence generations of people and garnered a wide readership is merely incidental.
I had never read Montaigne prior to this. But as a literature student, I had always harboured thoughts of reading him when the timing felt right. I am glad to report that Compagnon’s book proved to be the right starting point for me. I relished his explanations that came after he would quote Montaigne from “Essays.” Reading Montaigne in the original is not a particularly easy task but Compagnon simplifies it for lay readers and I felt that he managed to achieve this without comprising on the work’s essence.
What I have managed to grasp from my rendezvous with A Summer with Montaigne is that Montaigne’s Essays weren’t meant as treatise but as “thought experiments.” Montaigne freely admitted to his own fallibility and mutability. He had no qualms in accepting that the views he held while writing his book might not endure with time. It’s for this reason that he emerges as an endearing figure whose intention wasn’t to preach but only to record his feelings on various subjects. The fact that his work went on to influence generations of people and garnered a wide readership is merely incidental.
I had never read Montaigne prior to this. But as a literature student, I had always harboured thoughts of reading him when the timing felt right. I am glad to report that Compagnon’s book proved to be the right starting point for me. I relished his explanations that came after he would quote Montaigne from “Essays.” Reading Montaigne in the original is not a particularly easy task but Compagnon simplifies it for lay readers and I felt that he managed to achieve this without comprising on the work’s essence.
June 26, 2023
О ЧЕМ КНИГА:
Профессор и литературовед Антуан компаньон в 2012-м году подготовил для французской радиостанции серию из 40 коротких передач, чтобы передать слушателям ключевые идеи книги Монтеня «Опыты». Книга состоит из текста этих передач.
ЗАЧЕМ ЧИТАТЬ ЭТУ КНИГУ?
Для тех кто уже читал книгу Монтеня «Опыты», эта книга освежит в памяти её ключевые идеи. А кто не читал «Опыты» Монтеня, после прочтения работы Антуана Компаньона точно захотят её прочитать.
МЫСЛИ И ВЫВОДЫ ИЗ КНИГИ:
Важнейшее достоинство человека – это искренность. Это единственная добродетель, которую Монтень признает в самом себе, и для него она – самая главная, лежащая в основании всяких человеческих отношений.
ЧТО Я БУДУ ПРИМЕНЯТЬ:
Продолжу перечитывать свои выписки и любимые главы «Опытов» каждый год.
ЕЩЕ НА ЭТУ ТЕМУ:
Мишель де Монтень «Путевой дневник»
Профессор и литературовед Антуан компаньон в 2012-м году подготовил для французской радиостанции серию из 40 коротких передач, чтобы передать слушателям ключевые идеи книги Монтеня «Опыты». Книга состоит из текста этих передач.
ЗАЧЕМ ЧИТАТЬ ЭТУ КНИГУ?
Для тех кто уже читал книгу Монтеня «Опыты», эта книга освежит в памяти её ключевые идеи. А кто не читал «Опыты» Монтеня, после прочтения работы Антуана Компаньона точно захотят её прочитать.
МЫСЛИ И ВЫВОДЫ ИЗ КНИГИ:
Важнейшее достоинство человека – это искренность. Это единственная добродетель, которую Монтень признает в самом себе, и для него она – самая главная, лежащая в основании всяких человеческих отношений.
ЧТО Я БУДУ ПРИМЕНЯТЬ:
Продолжу перечитывать свои выписки и любимые главы «Опытов» каждый год.
ЕЩЕ НА ЭТУ ТЕМУ:
Мишель де Монтень «Путевой дневник»
June 7, 2019
This was originally written for radio broadcast. That's my understanding. It rather read as that. It wasn't very sophisticated and I found it a bit dull. Oh well.
July 18, 2026
"[...] Men det forekommer meg at døden nok er enden på livet, men ikke dets mål; det er dets avslutning, men dog ikke dets mening. Livet bør være et siktemål og en hensikt i seg selv"
"Den gang goterne herjet Grekenland, unngikk bibliotekene å bli flammenes rov bare fordi en av angriperne fikk overbevist de andre om at denne boksamlingen i sin helhet måtte etterlates til fiendefolket siden den var egnet til å vende dem bort fra militær virksomhet og beskjeftige dem med mer stillesittende og makelige sysler."
"Montaigne holdt rett og slett på å gå fra vettet da han søkte visdom i ensomheten. Men han klarte seg fordi han kvittet seg med vrengebildene og hallusinasjonene ved å skrive dem ned. Det å skrive Essays ga ham tilbake kontrollen over seg selv."
"Dette bildet betegner hans forhold til verden: rytteren til hest som beholder balansen uten å falle av sin ustødige sal. Verden beveger seg, jeg beveger meg: Det er opp til meg å finne et fast punkt i tilværelsen."
"Den gang goterne herjet Grekenland, unngikk bibliotekene å bli flammenes rov bare fordi en av angriperne fikk overbevist de andre om at denne boksamlingen i sin helhet måtte etterlates til fiendefolket siden den var egnet til å vende dem bort fra militær virksomhet og beskjeftige dem med mer stillesittende og makelige sysler."
"Montaigne holdt rett og slett på å gå fra vettet da han søkte visdom i ensomheten. Men han klarte seg fordi han kvittet seg med vrengebildene og hallusinasjonene ved å skrive dem ned. Det å skrive Essays ga ham tilbake kontrollen over seg selv."
"Dette bildet betegner hans forhold til verden: rytteren til hest som beholder balansen uten å falle av sin ustødige sal. Verden beveger seg, jeg beveger meg: Det er opp til meg å finne et fast punkt i tilværelsen."
November 14, 2024
My essay was pretty fire ngl
December 5, 2024
Light and engaging. Why not read Montaigne instead?
October 8, 2019
I appreciated this opportunity to learn a bit about Montaigne. I was struck by his open-mindedness and willingness to learn new things, adapting his point of view as he gained new information. We could use more of that today! I agreed with his concept that most people (unlike Montaigne) don’t like to have honest discussions where their ideas might be challenged, preferring the comfort of their established beliefs.
I was surprised at what a tough guy Montaigne was, facing down danger as mayor of Bordeaux and admiring the Spartans for their warrior spirit. One doesn’t usually think of a literary master that way.
Where I’ll part ways with Montaigne is on his view that culture and science weaken us. Given all of the scientific advances since his time, if Montaigne were alive today I like to think that he would change his opinion on this one.
I appreciate author Compagnon’s bite-sized excerpts of Montaigne himself, followed by an explanation of what he meant. I read the book in French and found Montaigne’s style and vocabulary difficult at times so Compagnon’s explanations helped me a lot.
I was surprised at what a tough guy Montaigne was, facing down danger as mayor of Bordeaux and admiring the Spartans for their warrior spirit. One doesn’t usually think of a literary master that way.
Where I’ll part ways with Montaigne is on his view that culture and science weaken us. Given all of the scientific advances since his time, if Montaigne were alive today I like to think that he would change his opinion on this one.
I appreciate author Compagnon’s bite-sized excerpts of Montaigne himself, followed by an explanation of what he meant. I read the book in French and found Montaigne’s style and vocabulary difficult at times so Compagnon’s explanations helped me a lot.
May 8, 2022
Man får lyst til at læse Montaigne
July 25, 2015
Parce que c'était Montaigne, parce que c'était moi. Fyrtiosju franska radiokrönikor med utdrag ur de berömda renässansessayerna. Så här skrev Monsieur Montaigne t.ex. om vänskap, kärlek och litteratur. I precis den ordningen:
"Dessa två slag av umgänge är beroende av andra tillfälligheter och av andra människor: det tråkiga med det ena slaget är att det är så sällsynt, det andra vissnar med åren, och därför har de två aldrig kunnat täcka mitt livs behov. Umgänget med böcker, som är det tredje slaget, är mycket säkrare och mer vårt eget."
"Dessa två slag av umgänge är beroende av andra tillfälligheter och av andra människor: det tråkiga med det ena slaget är att det är så sällsynt, det andra vissnar med åren, och därför har de två aldrig kunnat täcka mitt livs behov. Umgänget med böcker, som är det tredje slaget, är mycket säkrare och mer vårt eget."
November 23, 2024
The idea is a very nice one---short commentaries on some particular bit of Montaigne's wisdom or observation. As such, the reader will expect something lucid, perhaps somewhat informal, above all something easy to understand. The choice of the English translation of the Montaigne writings was not a good one for the type of general audience that I think was intended. I suspect a sizable proportion of readers encountering this quote on the first page will never go to the second page:
I expose myself in my stiff opinion, and after a method the most my own; a tender negotiator, a novice, who had rather fail in the affair than be wanting to myself. And yet it has been hitherto with so good luck (for fortune has doubtless the best share in it), that few things have passed from hand to hand with less suspicion or more favor and privacy. I have a free and open way that easily insinuates itself and obtains belief with those with whom I am to deal at the first meeting. Sincerity and pure truth, in what age soever, pass for current.
The Screech translation, for example, is better, although I imagine there are others even closer to a modern form of English.
Once we get past the translation of Montaigne, the commentary by the author itself is too often not clear or not informative. For example, in The Balance the sentence "The example of the Eucharist serves to confirm his skepticism by reiterating the paradox of the Cretan, or the liar: 'A Cretan declares, "All Cretans are liars"'" . The example does not reiterate this paradox; I do not know whether the fault lies in the translation of Compagnon's writing or elsewhere.
I expose myself in my stiff opinion, and after a method the most my own; a tender negotiator, a novice, who had rather fail in the affair than be wanting to myself. And yet it has been hitherto with so good luck (for fortune has doubtless the best share in it), that few things have passed from hand to hand with less suspicion or more favor and privacy. I have a free and open way that easily insinuates itself and obtains belief with those with whom I am to deal at the first meeting. Sincerity and pure truth, in what age soever, pass for current.
The Screech translation, for example, is better, although I imagine there are others even closer to a modern form of English.
Once we get past the translation of Montaigne, the commentary by the author itself is too often not clear or not informative. For example, in The Balance the sentence "The example of the Eucharist serves to confirm his skepticism by reiterating the paradox of the Cretan, or the liar: 'A Cretan declares, "All Cretans are liars"'" . The example does not reiterate this paradox; I do not know whether the fault lies in the translation of Compagnon's writing or elsewhere.
Read
December 27, 2025In Compagnon’s estimation, Montaigne is “more of a Roman than a humanist at heart”, a jurist who supports stability than innovation, and contrary to Leonard Woolf’s oft-repeated epithet, “not a modern man”. I found these perspectives valuable. I love everything about the self being forged through discourse with another, the self made through one’s writing (“tis a book substantial with the author”), and the body and its occupations (pain and pleasure) as a source of knowledge. The self is never alone.
August 3, 2017
Um opúsculo sobre a obra e vida de Montaigne, autor de "Ensaios".
Ao longo de 40 capítulos, discorre o autor sobre a obra e avida. Em que pese as curtas e pequenas 168 páginas, aborda temas que, IMHO, seriam desnecessários, tais como o interesse sobre biologia e sexualidade de Montaigne.
No mais, interessantes pinceladas para compreender o pensamento do filósofo, mas ausente bibliografia complementar e outros que tais que nos permitam aprofundar no assunto.
Well, just my 2 cents :-)
Ao longo de 40 capítulos, discorre o autor sobre a obra e avida. Em que pese as curtas e pequenas 168 páginas, aborda temas que, IMHO, seriam desnecessários, tais como o interesse sobre biologia e sexualidade de Montaigne.
No mais, interessantes pinceladas para compreender o pensamento do filósofo, mas ausente bibliografia complementar e outros que tais que nos permitam aprofundar no assunto.
Well, just my 2 cents :-)
July 12, 2022
Uno llega con la idea de pasar 'Un verano con Montaigne' y se merienda el libro en tres días.
«Que un hombre como Montaigne haya escrito ha hecho que realmente la alegría de vivir en este mundo se haya visto aumentada», reconocerá Nietzsche.
«Que un hombre como Montaigne haya escrito ha hecho que realmente la alegría de vivir en este mundo se haya visto aumentada», reconocerá Nietzsche.
August 20, 2020
une introduction aux essais à la fois efficace et attirante
March 27, 2026
Quelle bonne summarise du Montaigne. Il faut lit cette livre avec bonne temps et humeur. C’est beaucoup et grandes thèmes dans la livre: de la mort, des medicins, l’amour, l’amie, une vie avec de sens, c’est quoi? Des pensées de Montaigne, il y a sans date d’expiration.
Read
June 9, 2026Grei introduksjon til Montaigne virker det som, men går veldig fort mellom temaer
February 5, 2020
"La historia de este libro es excepcional: todo viene de que a alguien se le ocurrió que la hora del aperitivo, en verano, era el mejor momento para hablar de Montaigne. Y, por muy inverosímil que parezca, es lo que acabó pasando: el programa de radio de France Inter tuvo un éxito que "sorprendió a la propia empresa" , y la indujo a convertir sus contenidos en un libro que ahora Blackie Books nos propone para leer, por capítulos, antes de ir a dormir .
La razón de esta popularidad: que Montaigne nos enseña a pensar. A pensar sobre la vida y desde la vida, no sobre o desde ideas engoladas.
No nos preguntamos qué es el más allá, o si hay vida después de la muerte, la cuestión es si debemos tener miedo de la muerte, y la conclusión es que no mucho, porque cada día que pasa nos morimos un poco, y cuando lleguemos a la vejez ya tendremos casi todo el trabajo hecho. ¿Qué hacemos si nos cae un diente? ¿Cómo se debe educar a los niños? ¿Qué pensar o decir sobre el amor, la amistad, la vanidad, el deseo, el arte de la conversación, la enfermedad o el tiempo perdido?
Cualquier lectura, pensamiento, encuentro casual o accidente hace arrancar la meditación de Montaigne. La suya es la ignorancia sabia que ya enseñaba Sócrates, la del que sabe que pretender conocer el todo y llegar al fondo de las cuestiones es algo ilusorio, tal es nuestra condición humana. Se puede conocer sólo a trocitos, cualquier saber es frágil en este mundo tan diverso y complicado. Así, intentando captar el mundo poco a poco, Montaigne cambia de opinión y se contradice constantemente. Cuando empieza a pensar en un tema y a tener alguna idea interesante, puede perder el hilo del razonamiento, porque la vida cotidiana reclama su atención, y tiene que volver a empezar por otro lado. Su curiosidad es inagotable, y tal vez esta es una de las lecciones más importantes que podemos sacar de su obra: no nos rindamos, no pretendamos abarcar el todo; debemos seguir pensando y encontrando verdades aunque duren cinco minutos. Sólo así, y poco a poco, podremos intentar descifrar, en nuestro movimiento, este mundo cambiante, e ir hallando puntos de equilibrio en nuestra cabalgata que no se detiene." Júlia Martí
La razón de esta popularidad: que Montaigne nos enseña a pensar. A pensar sobre la vida y desde la vida, no sobre o desde ideas engoladas.
No nos preguntamos qué es el más allá, o si hay vida después de la muerte, la cuestión es si debemos tener miedo de la muerte, y la conclusión es que no mucho, porque cada día que pasa nos morimos un poco, y cuando lleguemos a la vejez ya tendremos casi todo el trabajo hecho. ¿Qué hacemos si nos cae un diente? ¿Cómo se debe educar a los niños? ¿Qué pensar o decir sobre el amor, la amistad, la vanidad, el deseo, el arte de la conversación, la enfermedad o el tiempo perdido?
Cualquier lectura, pensamiento, encuentro casual o accidente hace arrancar la meditación de Montaigne. La suya es la ignorancia sabia que ya enseñaba Sócrates, la del que sabe que pretender conocer el todo y llegar al fondo de las cuestiones es algo ilusorio, tal es nuestra condición humana. Se puede conocer sólo a trocitos, cualquier saber es frágil en este mundo tan diverso y complicado. Así, intentando captar el mundo poco a poco, Montaigne cambia de opinión y se contradice constantemente. Cuando empieza a pensar en un tema y a tener alguna idea interesante, puede perder el hilo del razonamiento, porque la vida cotidiana reclama su atención, y tiene que volver a empezar por otro lado. Su curiosidad es inagotable, y tal vez esta es una de las lecciones más importantes que podemos sacar de su obra: no nos rindamos, no pretendamos abarcar el todo; debemos seguir pensando y encontrando verdades aunque duren cinco minutos. Sólo así, y poco a poco, podremos intentar descifrar, en nuestro movimiento, este mundo cambiante, e ir hallando puntos de equilibrio en nuestra cabalgata que no se detiene." Júlia Martí
February 20, 2019
I have to admit that my knowledge of Montaigne was really superficial. I had read some quotes and knew about it but nothing more.
This book helped to discover a great thinker and to get to know a great thinker.
It's not an easy read but it was pleasant and engaging, a book able to make you understand and give food for thought without being boring but with humour and clear explanations.
It made me think I could read the the Essays by Montaigne.
Highly recommended!
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC
This book helped to discover a great thinker and to get to know a great thinker.
It's not an easy read but it was pleasant and engaging, a book able to make you understand and give food for thought without being boring but with humour and clear explanations.
It made me think I could read the the Essays by Montaigne.
Highly recommended!
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC
July 25, 2021
Небольшая книга, состоит из 40 глав, посвященных определенной теме или особенности Опытов. Главки по размеру одинаковые, на 2-3 стр. Книга написана в стиле подробных комментариев к выбранным фрагментам (обычно один или два). Поскольку книга небольшая, то покрытым остается совсем маленькая часть Опытов. Также ближе к концу есть несколько главок о стиле или отношению Монтеня к собственной книге. Было бы интересно прочитать такую книгу, но как реальные комментарии к Опытам.
December 30, 2013
Un voyage au coeur des Essais de Montaigne guidé par un expert incomparable qui nous livre dans de court chapitre toute l'humanité d'un auteur incomparable.
J'avais un souvenir de Montaigne peu enthousiasmé, si tous les professeurs de Français étaient des passeurs aussi habiles qu'Antoine Compagnon...
J'avais un souvenir de Montaigne peu enthousiasmé, si tous les professeurs de Français étaient des passeurs aussi habiles qu'Antoine Compagnon...
August 12, 2017
Um breve livro, baseado no programa de rádio feito pelo autor na rádio francesa, sobre a obra de Montaigne. Tem como grande predicado a informalidade, escolha errática de ensaios a serem tratados e o tom bem humorado. É como se tivéssemos uma conversa de mesa de bar com o autor sobre a obra Os Ensaios. Foi uma ótima leitura de ônibus :)
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