Original Text(~250 words)
OF THE MOST EXCELLENT MEN If I should be asked my choice among all the men who have come to my knowledge, I should make answer, that methinks I find three more excellent than all the rest. One of them Homer: not that Aristotle and Varro, for example, were not, peradventure, as learned as he; nor that possibly Virgil was not equal to him in his own art, which I leave to be determined by such as know them both. I who, for my part, understand but one of them, can only say this, according to my poor talent, that I do not believe the Muses themselves could ever go beyond the Roman: “Tale facit carmen docta testudine, quale Cynthius impositis temperat articulis:” [“He plays on his learned lute a verse such as Cynthian Apollo modulates with his imposed fingers.”--Propertius, ii. 34, 79.] and yet in this judgment we are not to forget that it is chiefly from Homer that Virgil derives his excellence, that he is guide and teacher; and that one touch of the Iliad has supplied him with body and matter out of which to compose his great and divine AEneid. I do not reckon upon that, but mix several other circumstances that render to me this poet admirable, even as it were above human condition. And, in truth, I often wonder that he who has produced, and, by his authority, given reputation in the world to so many deities, was not deified himself. Being blind and...
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Summary
Montaigne presents his personal ranking of history's three greatest men, offering a masterclass in how to evaluate human excellence. First is Homer, the blind poet whose influence shaped all literature and learning that followed. Despite his poverty and disability, Homer created works so foundational that Alexander the Great carried them into battle as his most trusted counsel. Second is Alexander the Great himself, who conquered the known world by age 33. Montaigne admires Alexander's military genius and personal magnetism, though he acknowledges the ruler's moral failings came from fortune corrupting his natural goodness. Third, and most excellent in Montaigne's view, is Epaminondas, the Theban general most readers have never heard of. Unlike the glory-seekers, Epaminondas combined military brilliance with unshakeable moral character. He fought only when necessary, spared enemies when possible, and found his greatest joy not in victory but in making his parents proud. Montaigne argues that while Homer and Alexander achieved greater fame, Epaminondas represents the highest form of human excellence because he mastered both outer achievement and inner character. The essay reveals Montaigne's values: he prizes wisdom over conquest, character over charisma, and sustainable virtue over spectacular but morally compromised success. Through these three portraits, he shows us different models of greatness and asks us to consider what kind of excellence we most admire and want to cultivate in ourselves.
That's what happens. To understand what the author is really doing—and to discuss this chapter with confidence—keep reading.
Terms to Know
Divine authority
The idea that some people possess such extraordinary talents or achievements that they seem blessed by the gods or fate itself. Montaigne uses this to describe how Homer's influence was so vast that he shaped entire cultures.
Modern Usage:
We see this when we talk about 'legendary' figures like Michael Jordan or Steve Jobs - people whose impact seems almost supernatural.
Fortune versus virtue
The ancient debate about whether success comes from luck and circumstances (fortune) or from personal character and effort (virtue). Montaigne argues that Alexander had great fortune but it corrupted his natural virtue.
Modern Usage:
This is the difference between someone who wins the lottery versus someone who builds a business through hard work - and how sudden wealth can change people.
Moral excellence
The highest form of human achievement that combines outer success with inner character. Montaigne sees this as rarer and more valuable than fame or power alone.
Modern Usage:
Think of people who are successful but also genuinely good - like Dolly Parton or Mr. Rogers - versus those who are just famous.
Classical heroism
The ancient Greek and Roman ideal of greatness through military conquest, honor, and glory. Montaigne examines different versions of this through his three examples.
Modern Usage:
We still celebrate this in action movies and sports - the idea that being the best warrior or competitor makes you the greatest person.
Posthumous reputation
How someone is remembered after death, which Montaigne suggests is the truest measure of a person's worth. Homer gained immortality through his influence on others.
Modern Usage:
This is why we judge historical figures differently than their contemporaries did - their lasting impact matters more than their immediate popularity.
Philosophical restraint
The wisdom to know when not to act, when to show mercy, and when to choose peace over victory. Montaigne praises Epaminondas for this rare quality.
Modern Usage:
This is the boss who doesn't fire someone when they could, or the parent who chooses understanding over punishment when they have the power to be harsh.
Characters in This Chapter
Homer
The foundational genius
A blind, poor poet who created works so influential that they shaped all future literature and learning. Montaigne marvels that someone with no worldly advantages could achieve such lasting greatness.
Modern Equivalent:
The self-taught artist whose work influences everyone who comes after
Alexander the Great
The corrupted prodigy
The brilliant military leader who conquered the world by age 33 but was ultimately corrupted by his own success and power. Montaigne sees him as naturally good but ruined by fortune.
Modern Equivalent:
The child star who achieves everything young but loses their way because of fame and power
Epaminondas
The perfect warrior-philosopher
The Theban general who combined military genius with unshakeable moral character. He fought only when necessary and found his greatest joy in making his parents proud.
Modern Equivalent:
The principled leader who could dominate but chooses to lift others up instead
Virgil
The skilled inheritor
The Roman poet who created the Aeneid by building on Homer's foundation. Montaigne uses him to show how even great artists depend on those who came before.
Modern Equivalent:
The talented musician who creates something beautiful by sampling and building on classic hits
Why This Matters
Connect literature to life
This chapter teaches how to spot quiet competence that society often overlooks in favor of flashy achievement.
Practice This Today
This week, notice who actually keeps things running smoothly at your workplace—often it's not the person getting the most recognition or making the most noise.
You have the foundation. Now let's look closer.
Key Quotes & Analysis
"I often wonder that he who has produced, and, by his authority, given reputation in the world to so many deities, was not deified himself."
Context: Reflecting on how Homer created gods that people worshipped, yet Homer himself remained mortal and poor
This captures the irony of true genius - those who create lasting value often don't get the immediate rewards. Montaigne sees this as evidence of Homer's authentic greatness versus mere celebrity.
In Today's Words:
It's crazy that the guy who basically invented our idea of gods never got treated like one himself.
"Fortune, in my opinion, did him this wrong, that having given him so many rare and excellent qualities, she mixed them with an ambitious desire of glory and conquest."
Context: Explaining why Alexander, despite his talents, falls short of perfect excellence
Montaigne argues that Alexander's greatest weakness was wanting too much fame and power. This corrupted his natural goodness and led to his moral failures.
In Today's Words:
Alexander had everything going for him, but his need to be famous and powerful messed him up.
"In him alone, of all that ever came to my knowledge, valor and fortune met and concurred to the highest pitch of perfection."
Context: Praising Epaminondas as the most complete human being he knows of
This is Montaigne's highest praise - someone who combined courage with wisdom, success with character. He sees Epaminondas as proof that you can be both effective and good.
In Today's Words:
This guy was the total package - brave, smart, successful, and genuinely good all at the same time.
Intelligence Amplifier™ Analysis
The Road of Greatness - Three Models for Excellence
Different paths to excellence exist—spectacular achievement, creative influence, and quiet mastery—but society only celebrates some while overlooking others.
Thematic Threads
Recognition
In This Chapter
Montaigne shows how true excellence often goes unrecognized while flashy achievement gets celebrated
Development
Introduced here
In Your Life:
You might be undervaluing your own steady contributions while envying others' dramatic successes.
Character
In This Chapter
Epaminondas represents the ideal of combining achievement with uncompromised moral character
Development
Builds on Montaigne's ongoing exploration of virtue versus worldly success
In Your Life:
You face daily choices between doing what's expedient and doing what's right.
Identity
In This Chapter
Each of the three men represents a different way of defining and expressing human excellence
Development
Continues Montaigne's theme of multiple valid ways to live
In Your Life:
You might be trying to be someone else's version of successful instead of defining greatness for yourself.
Class
In This Chapter
Homer achieved greatness despite poverty and disability, showing excellence transcends social position
Development
Reinforces that worth isn't determined by circumstances of birth
In Your Life:
Your background doesn't limit what kind of excellence you can achieve.
Legacy
In This Chapter
Different types of greatness create different kinds of lasting impact on the world
Development
Introduced here
In Your Life:
You might wonder what kind of mark you want to leave and how to build something that lasts.
Modern Adaptation
When the Promotion Goes Sideways
Following Arthur's story...
Arthur's department chair is retiring, and three candidates emerge for the position. Dr. Martinez publishes constantly and speaks at conferences worldwide—everyone knows her name. Dr. Thompson landed a massive federal grant and gets quoted in newspapers about education policy. Then there's Professor Chen, who's been quietly mentoring struggling students for twenty years, always stays late to help with papers, and somehow keeps the department running smoothly without drama. The search committee will likely choose Martinez or Thompson—they have the flashy credentials. But Arthur realizes Chen represents something different: excellence without ego, influence without self-promotion. Chen doesn't chase headlines or networking events; she just shows up every day and makes everyone around her better. Arthur starts to wonder which model of success he wants to follow in his own career.
The Road
The road Montaigne walked in 1580, Arthur walks today. The pattern is identical: society celebrates the spectacular achievers while overlooking the quiet masters who combine competence with character.
The Map
This chapter provides a framework for evaluating different types of excellence and success. Arthur can use it to define his own path rather than automatically chasing what gets the most attention.
Amplification
Before reading this, Arthur might have assumed the flashiest candidates were automatically the best choices. Now he can NAME different models of greatness, PREDICT which will create lasting value, and NAVIGATE his career by his own definition of excellence.
You now have the context. Time to form your own thoughts.
Discussion Questions
- 1
Montaigne ranks Homer, Alexander the Great, and Epaminondas as history's three greatest men. What different type of greatness does each one represent?
analysis • surface - 2
Why does Montaigne put Epaminondas—someone most people have never heard of—above Alexander the Great, who conquered the known world?
analysis • medium - 3
Think about your workplace, school, or community. Who gets the most recognition and praise? Are they necessarily the people doing the most important work?
application • medium - 4
If you had to choose between being famous for spectacular achievements that compromised your values or being unknown for quiet excellence with integrity, which would you pick and why?
application • deep - 5
What does Montaigne's ranking reveal about what he believes makes a life truly worth living?
reflection • deep
Critical Thinking Exercise
Map Your Models of Excellence
Make three columns labeled 'Creative Genius,' 'Spectacular Achiever,' and 'Quiet Master.' Under each, list 2-3 people you know personally or admire from afar who fit that model. Then write one sentence about which path appeals to you most right now and why.
Consider:
- •Look beyond celebrities—include people from your own life like teachers, coworkers, or family members
- •Consider both the costs and benefits of each type of excellence
- •Think about which model would make you proudest of yourself in 20 years
Journaling Prompt
Write about someone you know who achieves excellence without seeking attention. What can you learn from how they approach their work and relationships?
Coming Up Next...
Chapter 93: On Heredity and Medical Skepticism
What lies ahead teaches us to question authority figures who profit from your fear, and shows us inherited traits reveal deeper mysteries about human nature. These patterns appear in literature and life alike.