Michel de Montaigne’s 'Essays' (Essais) are a landmark of Western literature, characterized by their candid self-reflection and their skeptical inquiry into human nature. His famous question, 'Que sçay-je?' (What do I know?), captured the spirit of Renaissance humanism and challenged the dogmatism of his time. Montaigne’s work explored a vast range of subjects, from politics and education to personal habits and physical pain, always using himself as the primary subject of study. Living during the French Wars of Religion, his writing advocated for tolerance and individual judgment. His unique style established the foundations for modern autobiographical and philosophical writing, making him a central figure in the history of global literature and ethics.