Abstract: Montaigne was a mentor for many 19th century writers. Houssaye even states this in his Confessions. The references to the essayist allow us to grasp the way in which he draws a plural teaching from the Essays. Beyond the literary model, he finds there a whole art of philosophizing and placing man at the center of his concerns. Thus, from his lessons, Houssaye will be able to come to the status of author while offering posterity his own lessons.
