Michel de Montaigne, Essays - Not Judging Us Happy Until After Death - Sadler's Lectures

Michel de Montaigne, Essays - Not Judging Us Happy Until After Death - Sadler's Lectures

Author: Lectures on classic and contemporary philosophical texts and thinkers by Gregory B. Sadler August 28, 2026 Duration: 12:51
This lecture discusses key ideas from the Renaissance-era philosopher, critic, and essayist Michel De Montaigne's work Essays, specifically his essay On Not Judging Us Happy Until After Death (Qu'Il ne Faut Juger de Nostre Heur, Qu'apres la Mort), in which he begins by considering the famous advice given by the Athenian wise man Solon to Croesus, king of Lydia until he was deposed by Cyrus of Persia, namely not to judge any person happy until after their death. Montaigne notes that many people do experience shifts in their condition due to fortune, and provides examples from history and his own era. Then he notes that because Solon was a philosopher, he likely did not mean the advice to focus solely on external goods that are really indifferents, and in the control of Fortune, since the happiness of a person really has to do with the condition of their soul. We can determine whether someone really is committed to their philosophy or not by what is revealed in their last day as they die. Some people redeem themselves by their way of dying, while others betray themselves. To support my ongoing work, go to my Patreon site - www.patreon.com/sadler If you'd like to make a direct contribution, you can do so here - www.paypal.me/ReasonIO - or at BuyMeACoffee - www.buymeacoffee.com/A4quYdWoM You can find over 3,000 philosophy videos in my main YouTube channel - www.youtube.com/user/gbisadler You can find Montaigne's Essays here - https://amzn.to/4l3iKfH

For those drawn to deep, sustained engagement with ideas, Sadler's Lectures offers a quiet space for intellectual exploration. Guided by Gregory B. Sadler, this audio series transforms his extensive library of video lectures into a purely auditory experience, allowing listeners to immerse themselves in close readings and thoughtful commentaries on philosophical works. The discussions span the entire tradition, from the foundational texts of Plato and Aristotle to the complex arguments of modern and contemporary thinkers. Each episode functions as a self-contained lecture, carefully unpacking concepts, tracing arguments, and clarifying the nuances that make these texts enduring. The approach is scholarly yet accessible, prioritizing clarity and understanding over performative debate. This podcast is built for anyone seeking to supplement their studies, revisit classic ideas, or simply think alongside a knowledgeable guide during a commute or walk. The existence and ongoing conversion of this material into podcast form is made possible directly by listener support through Patreon, a testament to the community value found in this educational resource. Tune in for a direct, unadorned journey through the landscapes of philosophy, one thinker and one text at a time.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

Sadler's Lectures
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