James Baquet

    People have been writing what we call “essays” for many centuries. But it was not until 1580 that the term “essay” was coined, by the French author Michel Eyquem de Montaigne, often referred to only by his last name. Montaigne was born to a wealthy family, and his father spared no expense to make him well-educated.

    The French word “essayer” means to try or attempt, and Montaigne said he was trying or attempting to put his thoughts into writing. (To “essay” as a verb can still mean “to try” in English, though the form “assay” is slightly more common in this sense.)

    Montaigne’s book included some 107 essays on a wide variety of topics, from “That Men by Various Ways Arrive at the Same End” to “Of Fear”; from “That Our Mind Hinders Itself” to “Of a Monstrous Child.” Though easily found on the Internet, the translations are usually quite archaic; it’s better to buy a newer version in book form.

    The secret to Montaigne’s success seems to be the choice of popular topics along with a style that combines personal anecdotes with deep insights. The amusing stories he tells lead to observations that might help us solve our own problems.

    Take the essay “Of Friendship.” There he observes: “More than anything else, nature seems to have inclined us toward society, the company of others. Aristotle says that good legislators had more respect for friendship than for justice. The most perfect of friendships, though, depend on one point: the pleasure, profit, or public or private interest of any relationship is less beautiful and generous than a pure friendship when they are mixed with another cause, or intention, or result. Even those four kindnesses defined by the ancients — the natural, social, hospitable, and sexual — cannot be the basis for a true friendship when other motives are involved.”

    Supporting his contentions with quotes from a number of ancient authorities — Terence, Horace, Virgil, and others — he claims that the only true basis for friendship is the enjoyment of the company of the friend until the two selves are commingled. Anything else is mere “acquaintance.”

    Vocabulary

    Which word above means:

    1. old-fashioned

    2. positions, claims (that something is true)

    3. knowing someone

    4. mixed together

    5. leaned toward

    6. holds back, keeps from making progress

    7. simple, nothing more than

    8. having to do with taking care of guests

    9. short, interesting stories

    10. people who make laws