Montaigne on Friendship

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Questions and Answers

What philosophical view did Aristippus express regarding natural bonds?

He believed they should be respected without question.

He viewed them with contempt, comparing them to the birth of lice. (correct)

He valued them highly and promoted affection towards them.

He endorsed the idea that they are essential for human connection.

What can weaken the bond between brothers?

Dividing property and wealth. (correct)

Shared interests and goals.

Mutual respect and understanding.

Cultural and ethical differences.

What does the author suggest is more variable than true friendship?

Brotherly affection.

Parent-child relationships.

Sibling rivalry.

Passion for women. (correct)

What does 'willing freedom' produce according to the text?

Affection and loving friendships. Signup and view all the answers

In contrasting relationships, what does the text say about the nature of fathers and sons?

They can differ greatly in temperament and nature. Signup and view all the answers

How does the author depict the fire of passion in romantic relationships?

As fleeting and unpredictable. Signup and view all the answers

Why does the author find the name of 'brother' significant?

It reflects love and a sense of union. Signup and view all the answers

What does the author imply about brotherly relationships when subjected to material division?

They can create tensions and conflicts. Signup and view all the answers

What does the philosopher Diogenes imply about generosity?

The more generous person is one who provides opportunities for others to give. Signup and view all the answers

What unique arrangement did Eudamidas make in his will?

He appointed one friend to care for his mother and another for his daughter. Signup and view all the answers

What was the initial reaction of the heirs after reading Eudamidas' will?

They were indifferent to its content. Signup and view all the answers

What does perfect friendship require according to the passage?

The complete devotion of one soul to another. Signup and view all the answers

Who did Aretheus take care of after Charixenus' death?

Eudamidas' mother. Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of friendship is highlighted as different from common friendships?

Perfect friendships are characterized by exclusive devotion to a single person. Signup and view all the answers

In what way did Aretheus demonstrate generosity after receiving Eudamidas’ wealth?

He generously provided dowries for both daughters. Signup and view all the answers

What dilemma is posed regarding conflicting favors among friends?

It is essential to prioritize one friend's request over another. Signup and view all the answers

What is the main reason the speaker values the treatise mentioned?

It represents the beginning of a cherished friendship. Signup and view all the answers

According to the content, what does Aristotle suggest about friendship compared to justice?

Friendship is considered to be more important than justice. Signup and view all the answers

What is stated as a factor that can diminish the beauty of friendship?

Involvement of personal gain or pleasure. Signup and view all the answers

Which type of relationships does the author claim cannot foster true friendship?

Relationships with excessive inequality. Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of family relations is mentioned as incompatible with friendship?

Natural obligations. Signup and view all the answers

What sentiment is expressed regarding the rarity of true friendship?

It requires numerous fortuitous circumstances. Signup and view all the answers

What is implied about the ancient species of love in relation to friendship?

They are completely distinct from friendship. Signup and view all the answers

What unusual customs regarding family relationships are mentioned?

Some cultures practiced killing to prevent familial conflicts. Signup and view all the answers

How does the text characterize the nature of the love of friends?

It is consistent and gentle. Signup and view all the answers

What does Montaigne suggest about sexual love compared to friendship?

Sexual love is a temporary craving that leads to satiety. Signup and view all the answers

What does Montaigne imply about the relationship between friendship and the mind?

Friendship flourishes in the realm of the mind and desire. Signup and view all the answers

How does Montaigne view the institution of marriage in comparison to friendship?

Marriage is constrained and can disrupt genuine passion. Signup and view all the answers

What does Montaigne suggest about women’s ability to engage in deep friendship?

Women may lack the firmness to maintain such enduring friendships. Signup and view all the answers

What role does desire play in the experience of friendship according to Montaigne?

Desire enhances the enjoyment of friendship. Signup and view all the answers

What is the consequence of a friendship entering a transactional or commercial domain, as discussed by Montaigne?

It disrupts the pure nature of friendship. Signup and view all the answers

What metaphor does Montaigne use to describe the pursuit of sexual love?

A hunt for an elusive prize. Signup and view all the answers

What essential quality is highlighted in the concept of perfect friendship according to Montaigne?

It is a relationship that requires mutual sacrifice. Signup and view all the answers

In his analogy, what does Montaigne imply about his writings compared to that of the artist?

His essays are a mix of varied themes without clear cohesion. Signup and view all the answers

What is the title of the treatise Montaigne refers to that was written by Etienne de La Boëtie?

On Willing Slavery Signup and view all the answers

How does Montaigne perceive La Boëtie's potential as a writer?

He anticipated La Boëtie could have written greater works than he did. Signup and view all the answers

What phrase does Montaigne use to describe a woman in one of his references?

A fair woman ending in a fish's tail. Signup and view all the answers

How does Montaigne view the importance of La Boëtie's treatise in the context of political discourse?

It has garnered respect for its bold stance against tyranny. Signup and view all the answers

Which concept does Montaigne associate with the artist's ability to create a richly ornate picture?

Experience and technical skill. Signup and view all the answers

What does Montaigne imply about the nature of his essays in relation to established artistic principles?

They represent fragmented thoughts with no overarching theme. Signup and view all the answers

What is suggested as an ideal relationship mentioned in the content?

A relationship where both souls and bodies are involved Signup and view all the answers

Why are women considered excluded from the ideal loving-friendship?

The common agreement of Ancient schools of philosophy excludes them Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of love does the author critique regarding Greek practices?

The disparity of age among lovers Signup and view all the answers

What does the phrase 'frenzy inspired by Venus' son' refer to?

The obsession with physical beauty Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT considered a noble inducement in pursuing love?

Gifts and financial favors Signup and view all the answers

According to the content, what is one major reason people do not fall in love with an ugly youth or a beautiful old man?

Physical beauty is often prioritized in relationships Signup and view all the answers

What does the author imply about the mind's development in youthful love?

It is often misled by physical appearances Signup and view all the answers

What is the ultimate goal of the Lover in a noble relationship, according to the content?

To demonstrate virtue and earn acceptance Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Friendship

Montaigne's concept of friendship is indivisible; each person gives entirely to their friend, and has nothing left to share with others.
Friendship is a perfect, complete union where individuals share everything (wills, goods, wives, children, honour, life) together.
This form of friendship is different from other types of relationships such as those based on pleasure, profit, or social necessity.
Montaigne contrasts friendship with other types of love, such as the natural, social, hospitable, and erotic.
Montaigne uses an example from a famous author, Etienne de La Boétie to illustrate his ideas about the perfect friendship.
Ideal friendship requires a perfect understanding and equality (in terms of age and favours exchanged).
Montaigne contrasts friendship with shallower forms of human interaction and relationships.
Ancient and contemporary views on relationships are compared and contrasted.
Individuals in this type of partnership are of similar and equal mind, character, and age.
This perfect, complete relationship is difficult to achieve.
True friendship can only be achieved through great effort and understanding by both parties.

Montaigne's Essay

Montaigne's essay on friendship explores varying views on different types of friendships.
The text delves into the notion that true friendship entails sharing every part of oneself.
It suggests that people often mistake fleeting connections and interactions for true friendship.
The writing discusses the importance of mutual respect and understanding in any relationship.

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Description

Explore Montaigne's profound insights on friendship, where he describes it as an indivisible union marked by total sharing. This quiz contrasts true friendship with other types of relationships and examines the ideal qualities of genuine companionship, drawing upon historical and contemporary perspectives.