The Essays of Montaigne — Volume 05 by Michel de Montaigne
page 17 of 59 (28%)
page 17 of 59 (28%)
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and custom, let him not think that he is allowed to do the same; for
it was by great and divine benefits that they obtained this privilege."--Cicero, De Offic., i. 41.] Let him be instructed not to engage in discourse or dispute but with a champion worthy of him, and, even there, not to make use of all the little subtleties that may seem pat for his purpose, but only such arguments as may best serve him. Let him be taught to be curious in the election and choice of his reasons, to abominate impertinence, and consequently, to affect brevity; but, above all, let him be lessoned to acquiesce and submit to truth so soon as ever he shall discover it, whether in his opponent's argument, or upon better consideration of his own; for he shall never be preferred to the chair for a mere clatter of words and syllogisms, and is no further engaged to any argument whatever, than as he shall in his own judgment approve it: nor yet is arguing a trade, where the liberty of recantation and getting off upon better thoughts, are to be sold for ready money: "Neque, ut omnia, qux praescripta et imperata sint, defendat, necessitate ulla cogitur." ["Neither is their any necessity upon him, that he should defend all things that are prescribed and enjoined him." --Cicero, Acad., ii. 3.] If his governor be of my humour, he will form his will to be a very good and loyal subject to his prince, very affectionate to his person, and very stout in his quarrel; but withal he will cool in him the desire of having any other tie to his service than public duty. Besides several other inconveniences that are inconsistent with the liberty every honest |
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