Authenticity starts and ends with critical thinking. It revolves around checking the accuracy of facts, contesting ready-made conclusions, and pursuing consistency. Truth is the outcome of authenticity, and ethics is the compilation of practical wisdom. Michel de Montaigne (1533-1592) pursued authenticity day after day. He devoted two decades to writing essays that often questioned “self-evident” truths, and then came up with better conclusions. Considering the strong social pressure exerted on writers in the sixteenth century, I see Montaigne’s essays as the archetype of authenticity. Few authors of his generation have devoted so much effort to assess opposing arguments, extract examples from history, and arrive at independent conclusions. My favourite example of authenticity is Montaigne’s essay titled “That Men Are Justly Punished for Being Obstinate in Defending a Fort That is Unreasonable to Defend.” In this essay, Montaigne employs his usual structure. First, he states a controversial thesis. Second, he presents anecdotes from ancient history that illustrate his thesis. Third, he reviews in detail the arguments in favour and against. Fourth, he draws a conclusion, either confirming his thesis, or proving it wrong. Montaigne’s authenticity relies on structure. His extended assessment of historical evidence enables him to present controversial conclusions as irrefutable. Here is the link to the original article: https://johnvespasian.com/analysis-of-michel-de-montaignes-authenticity-in-writing/

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