Michel de Montaigne’s Des Cannibales (translated as Of Cannibals) stands as one of the most influential essays in his renowned collection Essais. Written in 1580, this essay reveals Montaigne's unique ability to merge personal reflection with intellectual critique, challenging the prevailing cultural and philosophical norms of his time. In Des Cannibales, Montaigne presents a bold critique of European notions of "civilized" society by comparing them to the practices of the so-called "savages" or indigenous peoples of Brazil, whom he refers to as "cannibals." Through this comparison, Montaigne questions the binary distinction between civilization and barbarism, urging readers to reconsider their assumptions about human nature and the value of different cultures.
At the heart of Montaigne’s argument in Des Cannibales is his critique of European views on non-European people. In the 16th century, indigenous tribes in the New World were often labeled "barbaric" by Europeans, with practices like cannibalism seen as proof of their inferiority. Montaigne challenges this portrayal, arguing that such judgments are shaped by cultural bias, not objective truth. His essay explores cultural relativism, the idea that no culture is inherently superior to another and that all should be judged by their own standards, not through the lens of European values. Montaigne uses the European label of "cannibals" to question the true nature of European civilization and highlight the relativity of the concept of barbarism.
Rather than viewing the cannibals through a lens of moral superiority, Montaigne seeks to understand them within the context of their own culture and values. He writes that while Europeans find their cannibalistic rituals abhorrent, these practices can be understood as part of a broader set of values rooted in their natural environment and social order. He contends that the cannibals’ actions, though shocking to European sensibilities, are driven by a sense of honor, loyalty, and justice. In fact, Montaigne suggests that European society, with its complex and often hypocritical moral codes, may be more corrupt and morally compromised than the indigenous peoples who live according to more natural and straightforward principles.
Montaigne uses this comparison to criticize European society in a profound way. While the cannibals may engage in practices that seem barbaric, Montaigne argues that they live a life that is purer and more virtuous than the Europeans, who are tainted by luxury, pride, and the pursuit of power. He compares the simplicity, virtue, and naturalness of the cannibals with the corruption, excess, and moral degradation of European civilization. In particular, he notes the way in which European society is mired in conflicts driven by pride, greed, and the pursuit of wealth, rather than by principles of honor or justice. In a particularly striking passage, Montaigne suggests that the wars fought by the cannibals, though violent, are rooted in a sense of honor and personal integrity, while European wars often seem to be motivated by more base desires such as pride and territorial expansion.
Montaigne’s reflections also extend to the concept of "nobility." While the cannibals may seem to embody violence through their cannibalistic practices, Montaigne contends that their wars and confrontations are more noble than European wars. The cannibals fight with purpose, honor, and a strong sense of loyalty to their communities. European soldiers, on the other hand, often fight for glory or political gain, leaving their motivations morally suspected. Montaigne’s argument is that, while Europeans pride themselves on their sense of civilization and order, their actions betray a deeper moral decay. This comparison between the "civilized" Europeans and the so-called "savages" of the New World serves as an invitation to reevaluate the values and structures of European society.
Montaigne’s Des Cannibales is not just a cultural critique but a philosophical inquiry into the nature of humanity. By examining the so-called "cannibals," Montaigne challenges the European view of "civilization" as inherently virtuous, suggesting that what they deem barbaric may, in fact, represent a more authentic way of life. His work introduces the idea that cultural values are shaped by historical and social contexts, urging readers to reconsider their assumptions about civilization and recognize that all cultures can embody both noble and ignoble traits.
Montaigne’s reflective, conversational writing style makes complex ideas accessible and engaging. Rather than using a formal academic tone, he invites personal reflection, making his exploration of themes like barbarism, cultural relativism, and European expansionism feel like a dialogue with the reader.
Additionally, Montaigne critiques the Eurocentric perspective that views non-European societies as inferior, offering an early challenge to the racial and cultural hierarchies that would fuel imperialism. His rejection of the binary distinction between "civilized" and "barbaric" anticipates modern debates on imperialism, colonialism, and cultural representation.
Des Cannibales remains a profound and relevant essay that continues to resonate with modern readers. Montaigne’s reflections on human nature, cultural bias, and the concept of civilization challenge us to question our assumptions about "otherness" and to reconsider the complexities of our social and cultural systems. His work urges a deeper appreciation for cultural diversity and calls for a reassessment of the values that define our societies. With intellectual courage and philosophical depth, Montaigne encourages us to look beyond superficial cultural differences and connect with the shared humanity that binds us all. In doing so, Des Cannibales not only critiques 16th-century European society but also serves as a timeless exploration of the essence of human civilization.
In this review of Montaigne’s Des Cannibales (Of Cannibals), the phrase underscores the stark contrast between European perceptions of civilization and the indigenous practices Montaigne describes, including cannibalism. It challenges the assumption that what Europeans labeled "savage" or "barbaric" could, in fact, represent a more natural or virtuous way of life. Montaigne’s essay critiques the prevailing belief that societies evolve in a linear fashion from savagery to civility, suggesting instead that the boundary between the two is more ambiguous than many Europeans believed. What is often considered "savage" may, in certain respects, reflect a purer, more honorable existence when compared to the complex and morally frail nature of European civilization.
