The powerful connection between intellectual independence and peace of mind is seldom mentioned. I view the former as a prerequisite of the latter. Peace of mind requires a fair, realistic assessment of people and events. In the absence of intellectual independence, such an assessment cannot be performed. Michel de Montaigne (1533-1592) proved the point beyond doubt. His essays go against the dominant opinions of his time, raise necessary questions, and relentlessly seek the truth. I’m not saying that Montaigne always came up with correct arguments nor that he always reached the right conclusion. He did not, but that’s not the key issue. What matters is that he did his best to assess the evidence at hand and choose the response supported by the strongest arguments. Montaigne passed review to dozens of ethical questions. He wrote essays for twenty years, addressing the subjects of health and wealth, friendship and love, good and evil from numerous perspectives. I believe Montaigne when he says that he was writing first and foremost for himself. He felt the urge to study those issues, examine the arguments against and in favour, add them up and draw a conclusion. Montaigne wanted to find answers that he could directly put into practice. His goal was to use those answers to improve his own life, day after day, year after year. Nonetheless, he was not aspiring to completeness and perfection in the process. All that Montaigne wanted are working answers, solid and realistic. He wanted to identify principles and strategies well-anchored in reality, so that he could apply them daily in every situation. From his research and pondering, Montaigne drew to large benefits. First, he was able to make quick decisions (accurately in most cases) where other people would remain paralysed by doubt. Second, he enjoyed an unparalleled peace of mind. Here is the link to the original article: https://johnvespasian.com/michel-de-montaignes-intellectual-independence-and-peace-of-mind/

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