If I had written to seek the world’s favor, I should have bedecked myself better, and should present myself in a studied posture. I want to be seen here in my simple, natural, ordinary fashion, without straining or artifice; for it is myself that I portray. My defects will here be read to the life, and also my natural form, as far as respect for the public has allowed. Had I been placed among those nations that are said to live still in the freedom of nature’s first laws, I assure you I should very gladly have portrayed myself here entire and wholly naked.

From Montaigne’s Complete Essays, translated by Donald M. Frame, Stanford, California: Stanford University Press, 1958, p. 2.

Addendum (February 9, 2014)

Had my intention been to forestall and purchase the world’s opinion and favor, I would surely have adorned myself more quaintly, or kept a more grave and solemn march. I desire therein to be delineated in mine own genuine, simple, and ordinary fashion, without contention, art, or study; for it is myself I portray. My imperfections shall therein be read to the life, and my natural form discerned, so far forth as public reverence hath permitted me. For if my fortune had been to have lived among those nations which yet are said to live under the sweet liberty of Nature’s first and uncorrupted laws, I assure thee I would most willingly have portrayed myself fully and naked.

From Montaigne’s Essays, translated by J. Florio, Amherst, New York: Prometheus Books, 2005, pp. 9-10.