“I consider some men, particularly among the Ancients, to be way above me and even though I clearly realize that I am powerless to follow them on my feet I do not give up following them with my eyes and judging the principles which raise them thus aloft.” What Montaigne does not quite admit is that he stole freely from those ancients, especially Seneca and Plutarque. It is therefore unsurprising that he would vigorously defend both.
Seneca is a difficult character. His writing is the height of rationality, and yet he was the philosophical guide for one of history’s great, mad tyrants. I have advised a variety of leaders in my career, but never have I had to back someone as bloodthirsty and cynical as Nero.
Perhaps his story is tragic. Having attained great wealth and renowned for his wisdom and guidance, he was compelled to tutor a boy king who not only made a mockery of his teachings, he ultimately demanded his death. That Seneca went to that death freely is ultimately evidence of his recognition, that his wisdom had limits and he was responsible for the path he chose.