The Unity Of The Mind And Body

The Unity of the Mind and Body

Both Michel De Montaigne and John Donne argue that the cultivation of the mind is linked to the well being of the body. Both argue that a mind void of proper enrichment and education will lead to an unhealthy body. However, Montaigne argues that the appropriate means of 'education and enrichment'; are studying and following the works of other great thinkers of history. Additionally, Montaigne declares imagination to be the impetus for the downfall of the body. Conversely, Donne argues that a mind groomed in imagination is the proper mode of finding bodily health. In their writings, both Montaigne and Donne are seeking a unity between the mind and the body. By comparing Montaigne's Essays and the poetry of Donne, it is evident that the means for unifying the mind and body can vary for different people.

Montaigne's general philosophy on the relationship between the mind and the physical health of the body is one that associates a healthy existence with a healthy mind. His idea of a healthy mind is that which is learned through the studies of the 'great thinkers'; of the past, and steered clear of being taken control of by the omnipotent imagination.

In Montaigne's essay 'On the Education of Children,'; Montaigne stresses the importance of education, but only promotes a select few genres of education as appropriate. Montaigne links these few genres of education directly to the well being of the body. First, Montaigne declares that 'The mind that harbours philosophy should, by its soundness, make the body sound also';(pg.67). Here he argues that anyone who is soundly based in the philosophy of the 'great thinkers'; of history will have the wellness of body that they desire. He states that ' The most manifest sign of wisdom is a constant happiness; it's state…always serene';(pg.67). Montaigne's obvious foremost concern is that people be educated in the thinking of great thinkers. Secondly, Montaigne addresses the types of free thinking that are appropriate for a healthy mind and body. He argues that the free thought of a person should be based in the thought of the 'great thinkers.'; Montaigne says if a person '…embraces the opinions of Xenophon and Plato by his own reasoning, they will no longer be theirs, but his';(pg.56). He encourages people to '…imbibe their ['great thinkers';] ways of th...

... middle of paper ...

... circumstances may follow. In other words, Donne believes the imagination to be a passageway from mental health and pleasure to bodily health and pleasure.

Montaigne and Donne are two people seeking the same result: a unity between the mind and body. Both incorporate their compelling philosophies into their writing and present convincing arguments in order to explicate their theories. Each of the two agree that the body and the mind are related, and additionally that the imagination is a powerful controller of both the mind and body.

However, the two disagree in their sentiments towards what types of learning and creativity create a healthy mind and body. Each of the two present their respective theories in very coercive arguments, and yet very disparate arguments. However, the two may have more ecumenically similar qualities when brought into modern society. Perhaps the greater message imparted upon the reader by the two authors is that the unity between the mind and the body is found through different means for different people. Each person must seek out their own form of mental cultivation that will help them to achieve both a healthy mind and a healthy body.