The Complete Essays of Montaigne

My first reading of Montaigne's selection of essays ends with me having some clarity that Montaigne is a very apt writer for people looking to get out of the “prescriptive” sleaze of self-help literature. I say this with the understanding that Montaigne does tell, through his own introspection, specks of advice that may be contradictory if understood in isolation.

But the meat of Montaigne's work based on these selections is one that is highly doubtful (but also faithful) of the self and its many capabilities. It's the type of work that challenges the fickleness of experience, appreciating the knowledge shared by humble tutors, or challenging the definition of what makes a person willing.

Of course, I think I am pretending to know everything of this man through a sample of works, but the Selections chosen by Crofts Classics are quite earnest and still applicable today. Its ability to provide some kind of clarity will never elude me.