Quote by Michel de Montaigne
Man is stark mad; he cannot make a flea, and yet he will be making gods by the dozens.
Summary
This quote, often attributed to philosopher Michel de Montaigne, suggests that humans display a contradictory nature. It highlights the amazing feat of human intelligence to invent and create complex things, while simultaneously acknowledging the limitations of their ability to fully grasp or comprehend certain natural phenomena. By pointing out the paradoxical nature of human behavior - being unable to create something as small as a flea but attempting to create gods - the quote invites reflection on the human tendency to both revere and underestimate their own capabilities.