Final answer:
Montaigne suggested that intimidating scholarly culture results in a diminished interest in practical knowledge, advocating for intellectual humility and recognizing the limits of one's own knowledge.
Step-by-step explanation:
Montaigne observed that an intimidating scholarly culture has made us less interested in practical knowledge. The intimidating nature of scholarly culture often discourages individuals from questioning established knowledge and seeking practical understanding. Montaigne, alongside other philosophers like Socrates, advocated for the recognition of our own ignorance as a means to further learning and discourage the assertion of knowledge where it is lacked.
This idea supports a culture of intellectual humility and philosophical inquiry, encouraging continuous learning and open-mindedness. Furthermore, in the aftermath of World War I, such skepticism about human progress and authority became even more prevalent, affecting not just philosophy but the broader cultural and intellectual landscape.