PODCAST:Past Present Future
TITLE:History of Ideas 1: Montaigne
DATE:2023-12-25 00:00:00
URL:
MODEL:gpt-4-gizmo
In this episode of "Past Present Future," titled "History of Ideas 1: Montaigne," David Runciman explores the philosophy and works of Michel de Montaigne, focusing on his approach to essay writing and his views on politics, skepticism, and human nature. The episode begins with a discussion on quietism, a philosophy suggesting that thought cannot reorder the world, and how Montaigne's work is often mistakenly associated with this idea.
Montaigne, who lived in 16th-century France, a time riddled with religious and civil wars, chose to retreat to his library and reflect inwardly, writing essays that focused on a wide range of topics, from mundane to profound. His method was not to retreat from the world but to engage with it from a different perspective. Montaigne is credited with inventing the essay as a literary form, characterized by its exploratory and open-ended nature, different from manifestos or theses.
Runciman specifically delves into Montaigne's essay "An Apology for Raymond Sebond," which, despite its title, is more an exploration of human nature and skepticism than a defense of Sebond's theology. Montaigne challenges the notions of both faith and reason as sole foundations for understanding the world and God. He argues that human understanding is limited and often clouded by vanity and that true knowledge of God is beyond human comprehension.
Montaigne's skepticism, drawn from classical thought, is a form of inquiry that constantly questions and doubts to keep intellectual exploration alive. He emphasizes the importance of not getting trapped in rigid beliefs or dogmas. Montaigne's view on politics reflects this skepticism, advocating for a pragmatic approach that avoids getting swept up in doctrinal conflicts and recognizes the transience and fickleness of human beliefs.
Runciman also touches on Montaigne's views on social luck and the limitations of human experience. Montaigne, despite his privileged background, was acutely aware of the role of chance in life and the futility of human attempts to rise above their nature. He cautioned against the self-deception of thinking one could master destiny and advocated for a grounded acceptance of human limitations.
The episode concludes with Runciman announcing that the next installment in the series will focus on David Hume, another influential philosopher in the history of ideas. Overall, the episode provides a deep dive into Montaigne's philosophy, examining how his essays offer timeless insights into human nature, skepticism, and the pursuit of knowledge.
