Ancient Stoicism plays an important role in the “Essays” by Michel de Montaigne (1533-1592). The essays contain a large number of references to Seneca and Marcus Aurelius, two of the leading thinkers in Stoicism. In addition, Montaigne refers on many occasions to Cato (95-46 BC), who also falls in this philosophical movement. He devoted to Cato a specific essay, which carries the title “On Cato the Younger.” As it was his usual practice, Montaigne employs the essay’s theme as a starting point for philosophical reflection. Cato is a subject that enables Montaigne to comment about steadfastness and integrity in times of tyranny. Montaigne portrays Cato as the archetype of rationality, honesty and high-mindedness. His sources about Cato consist mainly of Cicero (106-43 BC), who had composed a highly favourable tract after Cato’s death. Yet, I must point out that Julius Caesar held a determinedly negative opinion about Cato and wrote a response to Cicero. In Caesar’s response, one can read arguments opposing the views held by Montaigne, Seneca, Sallust and other Cato’s admirers. Montaigne’s essay “On Cato the Younger” contains detailed praise for Cato’s dedication to protecting the Roman Republic from tyranny. In the Renaissance, intellectuals held the ancient Roman Republic in high regard. Cato’s were indeed dangerous times, where several political contenders were trying to establish a dictatorship. They fought each other to death about who should become the dictator that would put an end to the Roman Republic. Montaigne points out that each man was being pushed by the political contenders to risk his life. If he declined his help, he would risk retaliation; but if he gave his support, he might be killed by the other candidate dictators. It was a hard choice to make. In his essay, Montaigne recounts Cato’s choice for Pompey, and against Julius Caesar (100-44 BC), the two key contenders for the highest office. Why did Cato choose to support Pompey instead of Caesar? Because he viewed Pompey as less dangerous for the stability of the Roman Republic. Despite Montaigne’s praise for Cato’s love for the Republic and opposition to dictatorship, I wonder if Pompey (106-48 BC) would not have appointed himself dictator at the earliest opportunity. The choice made by Cato seems to rest more on expediency than on long-term considerations. What should one do in such extreme situations, where there are two choices, but none of them is ideal. Montaigne says that Cato had remained honest and steadfast in his principles, while the Roman Republic was falling apart. Here is the link to the original article: https://johnvespasian.com/cato-in-michel-de-montaigne-and-the-renaissance/