Ads Quote by Michel de Montaigne
“I would like to suggest that our minds are swamped by too much study and by too much matter just as plants are swamped by too much water or lamps by too much oil; that our minds, held fast and encumbered by so many diverse preoccupations, may well lose the means of struggling free, remaining bowed and bent under the load; except that it is quite otherwise: the more our souls are filled, the more they expand; examples drawn from far-off times show, on the contrary, that great soldiers ad statesmen were also great scholars.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: "Apology for Raymond Sebond", 1580
Excessive study and material concerns can overwhelm the mind, yet true enrichment comes from filling the soul, which expands our capacity.
In simple terms: Balance study with soul‑growth.
Seek knowledge that expands, not burdens.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- academic pursuits
- creative work
- spiritual practice
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you balance learning with mental health?
- What practices help your mind stay flexible?
Overloading the mind can stifle creativity.