Even opinion is of force enough to make itself to be espoused at the expense of life.

This quote, “Even opinion is of force enough to make itself to be espoused at the expense of life,” essentially speaks about the power and influence of personal beliefs or opinions. It conveys that such is the potency of our convictions that we often hold onto them even if it means risking our lives.

In a deeper sense, it reflects on how strongly individuals can associate their identity with their opinions. These beliefs become so integral to one’s self-concept that defending them becomes equivalent to defending one’s existence. This could lead someone to go as far as sacrificing their life for what they believe in.

Applying this idea in today’s world, we see numerous examples where people are willing to risk their lives for their convictions. From activists fighting for human rights and climate change, soldiers battling for their nation’s ideologies, religious martyrs dying for faith, or even ordinary citizens standing up against oppression – all these instances reflect Montaigne’s sentiment about the power of personal belief.

In terms of personal development, this quote underscores the importance of having strong convictions but also warns us about its potential dangers. While having firm beliefs can provide us with a sense of purpose and direction in life; an inability or unwillingness to question our own views can lead us down dangerous paths – sometimes even jeopardizing our lives.

The key takeaway could be understanding when and where we need flexibility in our beliefs while maintaining a strong moral compass grounded by empathy and understanding towards others’ perspectives. In other words: have conviction but don’t let it blind you from seeing different viewpoints or evolving your perspective when necessary.