Michel Eyquem, Seigneur de Montaigne (1533-1592), was a significant figure in the French Renaissance, renowned for his invention of the essay as a literary genre. His works are celebrated for their introspective depth and exploration of the human condition, making him a pivotal figure in both French literature and the development of philosophical thought. Born into a time of religious turmoil and scientific discovery, Montaigne’s education was comprehensive, blending classical languages with a broad spectrum of knowledge. His career spanned roles as a courtier, diplomat, and mayor of Bordeaux, but it is his literary legacy for which he is most remembered.

Montaigne’s “Les Essais,” a collection of a wide-ranging set of writings, reflects his deep skepticism about the human ability to attain certainty and his curiosity about the nature of humanity, ethics, and knowledge. Unlike many of his contemporaries, Montaigne was not directly involved in literary quarrels; however, his skepticism and questioning of orthodoxies placed him at the intellectual crossroads of many debates of his time.