"The worst of my actions or conditions seem not so ugly unto me as I find it both ugly and base not to dare to avouch for them"

This quote by Michel de Montaigne talks to the concept of owning up to one's actions and taking obligation for them. Montaigne is recommending that it is worse to not take duty for one's actions than it is to in fact commit the action itself. He is saying that it is more outrageous to not have the guts to stand up for one's actions than it is to actually do something incorrect. This quote speaks with the idea of individual integrity and the importance of owning up to one's errors. It is a tip that it is much better to be truthful and take responsibility for one's actions than it is to attempt to conceal or deny them. Montaigne is suggesting that it is much better to be sincere and take duty for one's actions than it is to attempt to prevent the effects of them. This quote is a pointer that it is important to be honest and take duty for one's actions, even if they are not ideal.