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Art of living Quote by Sarah Bakewell

“The trick is to maintain a kind of naïve amazement at each instant of experience - but, as Montaigne learned, one of the best techniques for doing this is to write about everything. Simply describing an object on your table, or the view from your window opens your eyes to how marvelous such…” quote by Sarah Bakewell
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““The trick is to maintain a kind of naïve amazement at each instant of experience - but, as Montaigne learned, one of the best techniques for doing this is to write about everything. Simply describing an object on your table, or the view from your window opens your eyes to how marvelous such ordinary things are. To look inside yourself is to open up an even more fantastical realm.””

Sarah Bakewell

About This Quote

Source Book: "How to Live: A Life of Montaigne in One Question and One Book" by Sarah Bakewell, 2010

Cultivating a childlike wonder for each moment, then deepening it through reflective writing about ordinary and inner experiences.

In simple terms: Stay amazed, write it down, explore inner life.

Key Takeaway

Write daily observations to spark awe.

Themes

wonder mindfulness self‑reflection creativity

Mood

curious reflective

Type

inspirational philosophical

When to use this quote

  • journaling
  • mindful walking
  • contemplating daily objects
  • therapy sessions

Key Concepts

phenomenology introspective writing everyday magic

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can you keep writing fresh?
  • What mundane detail reveals hidden wonder?
A Different Perspective

Writing may become routine, losing spontaneity.

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