Meaning: This quote by Michel de Montaigne, a renowned 16th-century French philosopher, is a reflection on the concept of chastity and the societal expectations placed on women during his time. In this quote, Montaigne suggests that a woman who has not been approached or pursued by men cannot truly boast of her chastity. This statement reveals the prevailing attitudes towards women's virtue and morality in Montaigne's era and invites a deeper exploration of the historical and cultural context surrounding the quote.

During the Renaissance, women were often expected to embody qualities of modesty, purity, and chastity. These virtues were highly valued and were closely tied to a woman's reputation and social standing. In this context, a woman's chastity was not only a personal virtue but also a reflection of her family's honor and respectability. As a result, women faced immense societal pressure to maintain their chastity and were often judged based on their perceived purity.

Montaigne's quote sheds light on the paradoxical nature of these expectations. On one hand, women were expected to guard their chastity and remain virtuous, yet on the other hand, their worth and virtue were often measured by the attention and pursuit of men. This created a challenging and contradictory standard for women to navigate, as their chastity was simultaneously expected to be preserved and proven through male advances.

Furthermore, Montaigne's statement also points to the societal emphasis on women's passivity in matters of courtship and relationships. In this context, a woman who had not been approached by men was considered unattractive or undesirable, and therefore her chastity held little value in the eyes of society. This reinforces the notion that a woman's virtue was often defined in relation to male desires and actions, rather than as an independent and personal quality.

It is important to consider Montaigne's own perspective and the broader cultural attitudes towards women during his time. As a philosopher and essayist, Montaigne was known for his critical examination of human nature and societal norms. His writings often challenged traditional beliefs and offered insights into the complexities of human behavior and thought. In this quote, Montaigne may be questioning the superficiality of judging a woman's chastity based on external factors such as male attention, highlighting the inherent contradictions and injustices in such societal expectations.

In conclusion, Montaigne's quote encapsulates the intricate dynamics of gender, virtue, and societal expectations in the Renaissance era. It serves as a thought-provoking commentary on the complexities of women's experiences and the paradoxical nature of societal attitudes towards female chastity. By delving into the historical and cultural context of the quote, we gain valuable insights into the challenges and contradictions faced by women in a society that often placed unrealistic and unfair expectations on their virtue and worth.