In his essays Michel de Montaigne (1533-92) penned a portrait of himself in a frame of timelessness. Following an entirely new, non-chronological method of autobiography, he set out to test his responses to situations and to ascertain the permanence of his impressions and opinions. Against a brilliant range of subjects--from cannibals to physiognomy--the man displayed his objectively detached, tireless in his search for truth, and at all times restrained. His essential modesty is revealed nowhere more clearly than in his famous medal with its inscription Que scais-je?
Translated by J.M. Cohen
