The Essays of Montaigne: Book II, Chapters 1–6
Translated by Charles Cotton
Michel de Montaigne · 1580 · Philosophy
Full text · 6 chaptersNarrated in your voice
What it's about
Book II opens with 'Of the inconstancy of our actions', then essays on drunkenness, suicide (by way of a custom of the isle of Cea), conscience, and 'Use makes perfect', in which Montaigne describes nearly dying after a fall from his horse. Cotton's 1685 translation, edited by W. C. Hazlitt.
Reading plan
Pick a finish date and Genius lays out the days — the plan shows today's target and keeps you honest.
Read together
Start a circle and share the code — everyone sees everyone's honest place in the book. Accountability, not leaderboards.
Who it's for
- Readers who want to meet Montaigne one essay at a time - Anyone interested in how the personal essay began - Readers who enjoy candid, wandering thought on how to live
