Even from their infancy we frame them to the sports of love: their instruction, behavior, attire, grace, learning and all their words azimuth only at love, respects only affection. Their nurses and their keepers imprint no other thing in them.

In this quote, Michel de Montaigne reflects on how from an early age, society and caregivers begin to shape individuals with an emphasis on love and affection. He argues that the upbringing of children is often centered on preparing them for emotional connection and the pursuit of romantic or affectionate relationships. Montaigne points out that everything from a child's instruction, behavior, and attire, to their grace and words, is geared toward cultivating the idea of love and respect for others.

Montaigne’s words suggest that children are imprinted with these values by the adults around them, particularly their nurses and caregivers, who instill the importance of affection and emotional connection above all else. The phrase "their nurses and their keepers imprint no other thing in them" highlights the idea that emotional and romantic love are the primary focuses of their early education, leaving little room for other qualities or forms of development. This speaks to the role of societal expectations in shaping individuals from a young age.

By stating that children’s development is directed primarily towards love, Montaigne critiques the narrow view that romantic affection should be the primary goal of human experience. In doing so, he hints at a broader philosophical concern about the potential limitations of focusing too heavily on emotional fulfillment, at the expense of other valuable life skills or intellectual growth.

Ultimately, Montaigne’s quote serves as a critique of how early childhood education often prioritizes emotional and social learning related to love and affection, possibly at the cost of a more balanced or well-rounded development. It invites us to consider how the framing of love and relationships in childhood shapes our perceptions and actions in adulthood, and whether this emphasis is always beneficial for personal growth.