Final answer:
Montaigne's statement is aimed at exploring human behavior and motivations, similar to other literary and philosophical works that seek to persuade, inform, or entertain. Authors may aim to enlighten, challenge, or validate the significance of their work, often intending to reflect on the nature of society or express their own views.
Step-by-step explanation:
Understanding Montaigne's Purpose
The question seeks to understand the purpose behind Montaigne's statement, which aligns with the broader goal of expressing thought and imparting wisdom. In literature, figuring out an author's intent often involves analyzing the context and the language used to communicate ideas. In this case, it appears Montaigne wishes to highlight human behaviors and motivations. Often, authors like him aim to persuade, inform, or entertain the reader, sometimes with anecdotes and observations that encourage the audience to reflect on their own nature or the nature of society.
A similar intent is seen in interpretations of philosophers like Diderot, who believed art should make virtue desirable and vice repugnant, which suggests a purpose of social enlightenment and moral instruction. Moreover, authors such as Sir Philip Sydney defended poetry and creative works against critics, showcasing the value of literature to imagine new worlds and questioning those with 'earth-creeping' minds. This also alludes to an author's intent to challenge existing ideas and to validate the significance of their work.
Often, writers use their works to question and challenge the status quo, to promote philosophical thought, to express their views on humanity, or to leave a legacy. Whether through analytical reasoning or evocative rhetoric, the goal can be multifaceted, ranging from personal expression to driving societal change. Montaigne's statement can therefore be part of this larger tapestry of literary and philosophical purpose.