“Thus, if we have spent our lives preparing to meet death like an enemy on a battlefield, we have been wasting our time. As Montaigne now put it, with a superb flourish of nonchalance, “Don’t bother your head about it”. This easy slide into acceptance became Montaigne’s favourite ploy for dealing with other discomforts and concerns, too.”

“Thus, if we have spent our lives preparing to meet death like an enemy on a battlefield, we have been wasting our time. As Montaigne now put it, with a superb flourish of nonchalance, “Don’t bother your head about it”. This easy slide into acceptance became Montaigne’s favourite ploy for dealing with other discomforts and concerns, too.”

— Sarah Bakewell