Book the First
First collection of essays covering fundamental human behaviors and philosophical questions about men, virtue, and conduct.
4 argumentative units
- 01Definition of friendship as reciprocal affection
Montaigne defines friendship as a voluntary bond between two people who share complete equality, mutual preference, and affection rooted in virtue rather than utility or pleasure.
- 02Claim that perfect friendship is rare and extraordinary
Montaigne argues that true friendship, as he defines it, is exceedingly rare because it requires two exceptional individuals to encounter each other by chance and form an unshakeable bond.
- 03Example of his own friendship with Étienne de la Boétie
Montaigne illustrates his definition through the example of his friendship with la Boétie, which began suddenly and became the central relationship of his life until la Boétie's death.
- 04Affirmation that friendship precedes and survives the individual
Montaigne claims that true friendship exists apart from and above the individual persons involved, persisting even after death.