Book 1 of Essays : Chapter 3 Summary and Analysis

This continues directly from the previous. The use of deceit often entails the need of a good memory and great care often must be taken to preserve a consistent story line. Montaigne writes that one of the best ways to dislodge a falsehood is to repeatedly bring the liar back to a particular topic. The more the topic covered has been lied about, the more effective this concentration upon it is. This is in part due to the difference between what is solid and what is not - this is especially true in the cases where it can be proved or well supported by the strength of evidence. During the 9th essay, Montaigne points out that some men despise lying more than any other type of transgression. Readers are apt to be well aware that...