Forget everything you think you know about old philosophy books. Michel de Montaigne's Essais (which literally just means "Attempts") are something else entirely. After a personal crisis, he retired to his library tower and started writing about... well, everything. There's no single story here. One chapter he's talking about sadness, the next he's debating whether cannibals are more "civilized" than Europeans, and then he's pondering the habits of his cat.

The Story

There's no plot. That's the point. This is the birth of the personal essay. Montaigne uses his own life—his fears, his bodily functions, his readings, his friendships—as the starting point to explore the whole human condition. He asks: What do I know? How should I live? How do I face fear and death? He doesn't give perfect answers. He just thinks out loud on the page, with incredible honesty and humor, inviting you to do the same.

Why You Should Read It

You read it for the voice. Montaigne feels like a real person, not a stone statue. He's skeptical, warm, funny, and endlessly fascinated by people. Reading him is less like studying and more like having a brilliant, slightly rambling coffee chat with a wise friend who isn't afraid to admit he doesn't have it all figured out. His central idea—"What do I know?"—is a powerful antidote to arrogance, even today.

Final Verdict

Perfect for curious thinkers, fans of modern personal essays or podcasts, and anyone who enjoys a good, meandering conversation about life's big questions. If you like authors like Sarah Bakewell (who wrote a great book about him) or the feeling of exploring ideas without pressure, you'll find a friend in Montaigne. Just dip in and out—there's no wrong way to read him.