Michel de Montaigne Michel Eyquem de Montaigne Proficient in Latin even before he knew his own tongue, Montaigne received an unusual education. His whole life was spent in storing up his choice thoughts for our profit and pleasure. (Michel de Montaigne born Feb. 28, 1533.) Vol. 32, pp. 29-40 of The Harvard Classics Of the Institution and Education of Children To the Ladie Diana of Foix, Countesse of Gurson I NEVER knew father, how crooked and deformed soever his sonne were, that would either altogether cast him off, or not acknowledge him for his owne: and yet (unlesse he be meerely besotted or blinded in his affection) it may not be said, but he plainly perceiveth his defects, and hath a feeling of his imperfections. But so it is, he is his owne. So it is in my selfe. I see better than any man else, that what I have set downe is nought but the fond imaginations of him who in his youth hath tasted nothing but the paring, and seen but the superficies of