If you press me to say why I loved him, I can say no more than because he was he, and I was I.

If you press me to say why I loved him, I can say no more than because he was he, and I was I.

📖 Michel de Montaigne

🌍 French  |  👨‍💼 Philosopher

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This quote by Michel de Montaigne delves into the ineffable essence of love and personal connection. It emphasizes the profound truth that love often defies rational explanation, rooted instead in the mysterious and intrinsic aspects of individual identity and personality. When we cherish someone, our reasons are rarely justifiable in logical terms; they are embedded in the inexplicable qualities that make the other person uniquely themselves. Montaigne's words invite us to reflect on the nature of authentic affection—what it is about someone that draws us to them beyond superficial qualities or societal expectations. The assertion that love is about 'he being he' and 'I being I' suggests that love is a recognition and acceptance of the other's authentic self, without the need for justifications or rationalization. It underscores the poetic notion that genuine bonds are built on understanding and appreciating the intrinsic nature of each individual. This perspective encourages self-awareness in love—acknowledging that love is as much about accepting oneself as it is about accepting the other. It also highlights the beauty of the unique, unspoken qualities that form the foundation of deep relationships. From a philosophical standpoint, Montaigne captures the idea that some things are beyond the scope of logical explanation and that such mysteries are central to the human experience. Loving someone purely for who they are—without condition or explanation—is perhaps one of the most authentic expressions of our deepest selves, and this quote beautifully encapsulates that transcendental truth.

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August 12, 2025

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