How to Live: A Life of Montaigne in One Question and Twenty Attempts at an Answer by Sarah Bakewell Summary

1. Confront mortality calmly by embracing life’s impermanence like Montaigne’s horseback epiphany.
2. Write unfiltered self-reflections to transform personal flaws into universal human insights.
3. Cultivate ataraxia (emotional equilibrium) to avoid being ruled by external events.
4. “Be slow-witted” by questioning assumptions instead of clinging to rigid philosophies.
5. Find freedom in skepticism with Montaigne’s motto: Que sais-je? (“What do I know?”).
6. Master life’s chaos through Stoic detachment and playful curiosity about the mundane.
7. Read voraciously but forget selectively to forge an authentic, self-guided worldview.
8. Reject perfectionism—Montaigne’s “mediocrity” became timeless by mirroring human frailty.
9. Let essays become self-portraits that deepen empathy for shared human struggles.
10. Seek wisdom in contradiction, as Montaigne balanced Renaissance ideas with medieval values.

About the Author of How to Live

Sarah Bakewell is an acclaimed historical biographer and the author of How to Live: A Life of Montaigne in One Question and Twenty Attempts at an Answer. She merges rigorous scholarship with accessible storytelling to explore philosophy and humanist thought.

A former curator at London’s Wellcome Library and rare-books cataloguer for the National Trust, her expertise in unearthing forgotten narratives informs her genre-blending works that bridge biography, history, and existential inquiry.

Alongside How to Live—winner of the National Book Critics Circle Award and the Duff Cooper Prize—Bakewell’s notable works include At the Existentialist Café, a New York Times Top 10 Book of 2016, and Humanly Possible, a chronicle of seven centuries of humanist philosophy.

Awarded the Windham-Campbell Prize for nonfiction in 2018, she teaches creative nonfiction and contributes to major publications like The Guardian and The New York Times.

Translated into over 20 languages, How to Live has become a modern classic for readers seeking wisdom through the lens of Montaigne’s timeless essays.

FAQs About How to Live

What is How to Live: Or A Life of Montaigne about?

How to Live explores French philosopher Michel de Montaigne’s life and essays through 20 answers to the question “How to live?” Sarah Bakewell blends biography, philosophy, and history, tracing Montaigne’s insights on mortality, moderation, and self-acceptance. The book highlights his Renaissance-era experiences, near-death epiphanies, and enduring influence on modern thought, offering a fresh lens on living authentically.

Who should read How to Live: Or A Life of Montaigne?

This book appeals to philosophy enthusiasts, history buffs, and readers seeking wisdom on navigating life’s challenges. It’s ideal for fans of biographical narratives or those interested in Renaissance thought, blending scholarly depth with accessible storytelling. Bakewell’s work resonates with anyone exploring self-improvement, mortality, or the human condition.

Is How to Live: Or A Life of Montaigne worth reading?

Yes—it won the 2010 NBCC Biography Award and is praised for its engaging prose and relevance. Bakewell makes Montaigne’s 16th-century ideas accessible, offering timeless lessons on resilience, curiosity, and embracing imperfection. Its blend of humor, history, and introspection makes it a standout in philosophical biographies.

What are the main themes in How to Live: Or A Life of Montaigne?

Key themes include confronting mortality, practicing moderation, and accepting human flaws. Montaigne’s essays advocate living mindfully, learning from adversity, and rejecting societal pressures to be extraordinary. Bakewell underscores his belief in “common sense” over dogma, illustrating how his ideas apply to modern self-discovery.

How does Sarah Bakewell structure How to Live: Or A Life of Montaigne?

Bakewell organizes the book around 20 answers to Montaigne’s central question, weaving chronology with thematic analysis. Chapters like “Guard your humanity” and “Reflect on everything, regret nothing” explore his life events—retirement, travels, friendships—alongside evolving philosophies. This structure mirrors Montaigne’s meandering, introspective style.

What are key quotes from How to Live: Or A Life of Montaigne?

Notable quotes include Montaigne’s advice to “read a lot, forget most of what you read” (advocating mindful learning) and “let life be its own answer” (embracing spontaneity). Bakewell highlights his stoic view of death: “Dying is less dreadful than the fear of dying”.

How does Montaigne view death in How to Live?

Montaigne saw death as a natural, painless process after surviving a horse-riding accident. He argues fearing death distracts from living fully, urging readers to focus on present joys rather than obsessing over mortality. Bakewell ties this to his broader philosophy of moderation and acceptance.

What critiques exist about How to Live: Or A Life of Montaigne?

Some note the nonlinear structure may challenge readers seeking a traditional biography. However, most praise Bakewell’s innovative approach, balancing rigor with wit. Critics acclaim her ability to make Renaissance philosophy feel urgent, though a few desire deeper analysis of Montaigne’s contradictions.

How does How to Live compare to other Montaigne biographies?

Bakewell’s work stands out for its thematic focus on “how to live” rather than pure chronology. Unlike academic biographies, it emphasizes Montaigne’s relevance today, linking his essays to modern self-help and mindfulness trends. It’s often called the most accessible introduction to his life and ideas.

How can How to Live help with personal growth?

Montaigne’s lessons encourage embracing imperfection, reflecting without regret, and finding joy in ordinary moments. Bakewell shows how his advice—like “use little tricks” to cope with stress—applies to relationships, career challenges, or grief, fostering resilience and self-compassion.

Why is Montaigne’s philosophy still relevant in 2025?

His emphasis on moderation, curiosity, and rejecting extremism resonates in times of social polarization. Bakewell argues Montaigne’s focus on individual experience over dogma offers a antidote to modern anxiety, making his insights on identity and ethics timeless.

What is Montaigne’s approach to friendship in How to Live?

Montaigne prized deep, intellectual bonds, exemplified by his friendship with Étienne de La Boétie. Bakewell explores how their connection shaped his views on loyalty and dialogue, contrasting it with superficial social ties. This theme underscores his belief in relationships as pillars of a meaningful life.