Montaigne's Humanistic Liberalism

Abstract

Many have noted the tendency of liberalism to degenerate into egoism or collectivism. This article examines Montaigne's attempt to preserve liberalism from such degeneration by establishing a basis for the liberal self in friendship and especially friendship for oneself rather than mere self-interest. In Montaigne's view this promotes self-sufficient human beings who are content with private life and unmoved by political ambition and religious fanaticism. Such individuals then can also serve as disinterested political advisors who will help preserve the justice and stability necessary for a humanistic liberalism that eschews both pure egoism and unlimited collectivism.