I study myself more than any other subject. That is my metaphysics, that is my physics.
This quote is a profound exploration of self-awareness and introspection. It suggests that the study of oneself, one’s thoughts, emotions, motivations, behaviors and responses to various situations in life is the most important study one can undertake.
The use of the terms ‘metaphysics’ and ‘physics’ underscores this point. Metaphysics refers to the branch of philosophy dealing with abstract concepts such as existence, truth and reality – beyond what is perceptible by senses. Physics on other hand pertains to natural science that involves the study of matter and its motion through space-time along with related concepts like energy and force.
By stating “That is my metaphysics”, Montaigne implies he seeks understanding about his existence, purpose or essence through introspection or self-study. When he says “That is my physics”, it signifies his endeavor to understand how he moves through life – his actions, reactions or behaviors – again achieved by studying himself.
In today’s world marked by rapid changes and distractions galore, this idea holds immense relevance in personal development context. Self-awareness has been identified as a key component for emotional intelligence which in turn contributes significantly towards success in various spheres of life from professional to personal relationships.
By studying oneself more than any other subject – i.e., being mindful about our thoughts & emotions; reflecting on our strengths & weaknesses; seeking feedback from others about ourselves; learning from past experiences – we can enhance our self-understanding leading to better decision-making skills & stress management abilities among others.
Moreover, such practice helps us align our actions with core values thereby fostering authenticity which can improve overall satisfaction levels in life while also positively influencing those around us due its contagious nature.
Therefore Montaigne’s words encourage us towards continuous self-improvement process via enhanced self-knowledge obtained not just from external sources but primarily via sustained introspection or ‘study’ of ourselves.
