Meaning: The quote "How many things we held yesterday as articles of faith which today we tell as fables" by Michel de Montaigne, a French philosopher, is a thought-provoking reflection on the ever-changing nature of human beliefs and knowledge. Montaigne, who lived during the 16th century, is best known for popularizing the essay as a literary form and for his skepticism towards absolute truths. In this quote, he highlights the fluidity of human understanding and the tendency for beliefs once held as absolute truths to be later dismissed as mere myths or fables.

Montaigne's quote speaks to the concept of intellectual evolution and the continuous reevaluation of what we consider to be true. Throughout history, various beliefs and ideas that were once deeply ingrained in societies have been challenged and ultimately debunked. This can be seen in the realms of science, religion, philosophy, and culture. As humanity's knowledge and understanding of the world progresses, old certainties are often replaced by new paradigms and perspectives.

In the context of scientific progress, Montaigne's quote resonates strongly with the concept of paradigm shifts. Throughout history, scientific theories that were once widely accepted as factual have been later discarded or revised in light of new evidence and discoveries. For example, the geocentric model of the universe, which placed the Earth at the center, was once considered an article of faith but is now recognized as a fable in light of the heliocentric model proposed by Copernicus and Galileo.

Similarly, in the realm of philosophy and ethics, societal attitudes and moral norms have undergone significant transformations over time. Practices such as slavery and the subjugation of women, which were once justified as articles of faith, have been challenged and condemned as fables in the modern era. This illustrates Montaigne's point about the evolving nature of human beliefs and the potential for widely held convictions to be reassessed and reinterpreted.

Furthermore, the quote can also be applied to the realm of religious beliefs and dogmas. Throughout history, religious doctrines and traditions have undergone reinterpretation and revision, leading to the questioning of previously held articles of faith. The evolution of religious thought and the emergence of new theological perspectives reflect the dynamic nature of human spirituality and the capacity for beliefs to evolve over time.

Montaigne's quote serves as a reminder of the fallibility of human knowledge and the importance of humility in the face of uncertainty. It encourages individuals to approach their beliefs and convictions with a degree of skepticism and openness to change. By acknowledging the potential for our current truths to be reevaluated in the future, we can cultivate a mindset that is receptive to new ideas and perspectives.

In conclusion, Michel de Montaigne's quote "How many things we held yesterday as articles of faith which today we tell as fables" encapsulates the idea of the ever-shifting nature of human beliefs and knowledge. It prompts us to reflect on the transience of our certainties and the potential for our deeply held beliefs to be redefined in the course of intellectual and cultural evolution. Montaigne's insight continues to resonate across disciplines, serving as a timeless reminder of the fluidity of human understanding and the need for humility in the pursuit of truth.