Montaigne attributed our problems with our bodies in part to an absence of honest discussion about them in polite circles. Representative stories and images do not tend to identify feminine grace with a strong interest in love-making, nor authority with the possession of a sphincter or penis. Pictures of kings and ladies did not encourage one to think of these eminent souls breaking wind or making love. Montaigne filled out the picture in blunt, beautiful French:
"Au plus eslevé throne du monde si ne sommes assis que sus nostre cul."
"Upon the highest throne in the world, we are seated, still, upon our arses."
"Les Roys et les philosophes fientent, et les dames aussi."
"Kings and philosophers shit: and so do ladies."
- Alain de Botton, The Consolations Of Philosophy
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