Marie de Gournay and Montaigne: the possibility of "holy friendship" between the sexes

Abstract

This article initially aims to present the main ideas underlying the conception of friendship in the essay “De l’Amitié” by Michel de Montaigne. Rather than offering a detailed exegesis of this chapter, it provides an overview that highlights the key elements structuring Montaigne’s reflection. We therefore outline the background of his thought, as it appears to be the same point of departure for Marie de Gournay. In a second moment, we focus on Gournay’s text, “Que par necessité les grands esprits et les gens de bien cherchent leurs semblables”, in order to show how this brief treatise on friendship establishes a direct dialogue with Montaigne’s essay and, consequently, with the philosophical tradition. Through this dual approach, we seek to demonstrate how Montaigne and Gournay offer distinct responses to the philosophical tradition regarding the theme of friendship.