“To know how to live is my trade and my art”
— Michel de Montaigne
Simplified Meaning:
Learning how to live well is both a skill and a form of creativity. It's like being an expert in a particular job and also like being an artist who knows how to make life beautiful. Think about a gardener who knows exactly how to cultivate plants so they grow strong and healthy, while also arranging them in a way that creates a lovely garden. Living well means balancing practical knowledge with the ability to make life enjoyable and meaningful. For example, someone might work hard in their job to earn money (the practical skill), but they also make time to enjoy hobbies, spend time with loved ones, and find joy in daily activities (the art). By combining these two aspects, a person can lead a fulfilling, balanced life.
Related tags
Art Craft Knowledge Life Living Personal growth Philosophy Self-improvement Skill Wisdom