Montaigne's "On Friendship": A Discussion

Is friendship the highest form of love—higher than familial and romantic love? Is it impossible to have more than one true friend? Does friendship involve renouncing entirely the autonomy of our own wills, sinking it in a collective entity, a “we”? These and other questions are raised by the exalted view of friendship we find in Montaigne’s justly famous essay.

All Stanford undergraduates are invited to join us this upcoming Wednesday, January 10th 6:00–8:00pm to discuss this classic essay, as Zephyr kicks off its Winter term. Participants are encouraged to read the essay in advance. We will be using Donald Frame's translation, which can be found here. (The curious and those wanting a challenge may also be interested in looking at Florio's highly influential translation from 1603, which may be found here. Those with French may wish to consult the original text here.) Dinner will be provided. Please register in advance so that Zephyr can have an accurate headcount.

This discussion forms part of our year-long undergraduate philosophical discussion series, Value in a Human Life. This term we will be discussing philosophical readings that treat human goods that consist in relationship, such as romantic love, friendship, and political engagement. Though sessions will be thematically connected, readings from later weeks will not presuppose readings from earlier weeks and interested participants are welcome to come to as many or as few as they wish.

Discussion will be led by Zephyr’s Director of Academic Programs, Landon Hobbs