“I quote others only in order the better to express myself.”
What this quote means
Montaigne justifies his many quotes by saying they serve to express his own thought, not to hide behind others' authority. It's a lesson in intellectual humility and creativity: others' ideas are materials, tools to clarify and enrich our own reflection. This attitude turns quotation into dialogue, into personal appropriation. It encourages us to read, to feed on great minds, but also to develop our own voice. In an information-saturated world, it's a reminder of originality and critical thinking.
How to apply it daily
When writing or speaking, use a quote from an author to illustrate your own idea, explaining what it inspires in you.
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