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Tuesday, March 29, 2022

Tidbits from Montaigne 39


We are no nearer Heaven on the top of Mont Cenis than at the bottom of the sea; take the distance with your astrolabe. 

They debase God even to the carnal knowledge of women, to so many times, and so many generations. 

—Michel de Montaigne, Essays 2.12 



3 comments:

  1. Is this about confusing pleasure with spiritual experience, or is it about confusing spiritual "highs" with actual holiness?

    Because I can read this either way.

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    Replies
    1. Yes? ;-) Either could be a symptom of thinking too small about God, of reducing a Divine measure to a human measure.

      Look to the first sentence. Higher or lower places are not the same as higher or lower states.

      Reading Essay 2.12 provides the richer context. It is very long, but well worth it. Montaigne reflects on the writing of Raimond Sebond, who was arguing for the harmony of reason and faith.

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    2. Makes me think of the dark night of the soul... sometimes when everything seems dry and horrible is when you're actually closer to where you need to be.

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