Ifs Quote by Michel de Montaigne
“A wise man loses nothing, if he but save himself.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: Essays, Book III, 1580
A wise person preserves nothing by selfishly protecting themselves; true wisdom involves self‑sacrifice.
In simple terms: Wisdom requires self‑lessness, not self‑preservation.
Practice humility and service.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- volunteering
- leadership
- conflict resolution
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- When is self‑care justified?
- How to balance self‑interest and altruism?
Self‑preservation can be necessary for survival in dangerous contexts.