Meaning Of Solitude Essay

What is solitude and how do we define solitude? According to the dictionary, solitude is the state of being alone. We define it as a lonely uninhabited place, or separation from others. However, Montaigne defines solitude as a completely different meaning. He defines it as being comfortable with one’s self once you are at leisure(retire). I find that both definitions prove to be an accurate description of the meaning of solitude. After fully reading Of Solitude, I can say that out of all the stories we had to read, this one had the most impact on me. In the essay Of Solitude, Montaigne says “we have lived enough for others; let us at least live out the small remnant of life for ourselves; let us now call in our thoughts and intentions to …show more content…
we take our chains along with us…. We still turn our eyes to what we left behind.” What he means by this is that even if we leave and get away from others(retire), it doesn’t mean that we are subject to change. I found this interesting because he is saying that even if you move to another area, you will take your chains with you. What I think he means what chains are is your habits, they will come with you into the new area you move too. He not only is saying that you are moving, but your old habits will stick with you as you make new habits in the new area you live in. I thought this was very interesting due to the fact that I am moving to Florida for good once I graduate this May. I plan on moving there in August, so I am going to make a lot of changes in my life. I will also have to make new habits, since I will be adjusting to a new area which will be very hard. I had not thought about this until I read this essay from Montaigne because it is completely true. When you move to a new area, you want to keep your old habits, but they will eventually be overtaken by new