The Mosaic of the Search

Truly digging the writings of Michel de Montaigne (1533-1592). He is like a conduit between the present and his time of some 400-500 years ago, and between his time to the classical writers of "antiquity" (notably Roman and Greek). Dig into Montaigne and you pick up a lot that is of enduring relevance.

"Put into his head an honest curiosity to inquire into all things; whatever is  unusual around him he will see: a building, a fountain, a man, the field of an ancient battle, the place where Caesar or Charlemagne passed . . . He will inquire into the conduct, the resources, and the alliances of this prince or that. These are very pleasant to learn and very useful to know."*

*Michel de Montaigne, The Complete Works: Essays, Travel Journal, Letters. Translated by Donald M. Frame (Everyman's Library 259. New York: Knopf, 2003), page 139 (from essay 26). 

Pictures from an exploration of New Orleans' French and Spanish quarter.

How to pronounce Montaigne? Here's a link.

Today's Rune: Breakthrough.