O, but man, proud man! Drest in a little brief authority; Most ingorant of what he's most assur'd, His glassy essence,-like an angry ape, Plays such fantastic tricks before high heaven, As make the angels weep;

Summary

This quote highlights the inherent flaw in human nature, specifically the arrogance that often accompanies even the smallest taste of power. The phrase "drest in a little brief authority" implies that humans, in their limited positions of authority, are ignorant of their own ignorance. Comparing mankind's behavior to that of an angry ape, the quote emphasizes the foolish and ridiculous actions individuals engage in to assert their authority, causing both heavenly beings and those who witness it to feel sorrow.

Topics