Goodbyes - “An Ambassador”
Towles writes, “ ‘Tis a funny thing, reflected the Count as he stood ready to abandon his suite. For the earliest age, we must learn to say goodbye to friends and family. We see our parents and siblings off at the station ; we visit cousins, attend schools, join the regiment; we marry, or travel abroad. It is part of the human experience that we are constantly gripping a good fellow by the shoulders and wishing him well, taking comfort from the notion that we will hear a word of him soon.” The count’s reflection suggests that goodbyes are inevitable in life: separations from life are expected, for they are part of the progression of life. Communicating with loved ones is imperative in connecting with them after unavoidable partings.
Sadness - “An Appointment”
Towles observes, "Montaigne quotes an array of unimpeachable authorities from the Golden Age who confirmed conclusively that sadness is an emotion best shared." Montaigne’s predominant ideology in the meditation is that human beings should unburden themselves by sharing with others the things which elicit their sadness. Confronting sadness by oneself is cumbersome. Quoting the authorities serves to strengthen Montaigne’s ideology.
