24230 Saint-Michel-de-Montaigne, France
To: Michel de Montaigne,
Dear Sir,
As I collect my thoughts and scribe them down on this paper I think of you and how you did just that so long ago on parchment. Oft and again as I sit in my easy chair reading, your words resonate and I feel your presence as though you are here speaking to me. Such is the power of the written word to transcend centuries.
You were a sixteenth century nobleman, a regional French statesman and philosopher. And you wrote of everything that that captured your imagination from: psychology to sobriety to antiquity and on and on where ever your mind meandered – and always your insights were fresh and clever. Your era was one of both great turmoil and wonder – with a succession of wars, plagues and religious upheavals but you had great artists, emerging science and the exploration of the new world to inspire you.
Speaking of the new world – your famous essay “Of Cannibals” about your meeting natives brought from the Americas to Europe is brilliant. It reveals the depth of your curiosity and it is ahead of its time in your projected ideas. I was riveted when reading it and so thankful that you had the inclination to preserve your thoughts. Today you are regarded as the father of the essay and your writings are on the shelves of all great libraries.
It may seem strange that I write this letter to you – as you have been in your grave for over four hundred years – but I feel compelled to thank you for the transcendental conversations that I have had with you. Your wisdom has touched me and your curiosity has encouraged me to explore. If I can hear your voice as I read your words then perhaps you can read my thoughts wherever the essence of your spirit may be.
Sincerely,
Michael
MK - Apr. 2019
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