Men do not know the natural infirmity of their mind: it does nothing but ferret and quest, and keeps incessantly whirling around, building up and becoming entangled in its own work, like silkworms, and is suffocated in it. A mouse in a pitch barrel...thinks it notices from a distance some sort of glimmer of imaginary light and truth; but while running toward it, it is crossed by so many difficulties and obstacles, and diverted by so many new quests, that it strays from the road, bewildered.

Summary

This quote highlights the inherent flaws and limitations in human thinking. It suggests that men are unaware of the weaknesses of their minds, which constantly wander and get caught up in their own thoughts and ideas. The analogy of a silkworm building its cocoon and suffocating within it implies that the mind becomes trapped and overwhelmed by its own complexities. The mention of a mouse in a pitch barrel reinforces the idea that individuals may catch glimpses of truth and understanding, but they are easily distracted and misguided, ultimately losing their way in the pursuit of knowledge.