Quote by H. L. Mencken
To sum up: 1. The cosmos is a gigantic fly-wheel making 10, 000 revolutions a minute. 2. Man is a sick fly taking a dizzy ride on it. 3. Religion is the theory that the wheel was designed and set spinning to give him the ride.
Summary
In this quote, the author uses a metaphor of the cosmos being a massive fly-wheel spinning rapidly, representing the chaos and complexity of the universe. They depict humanity as a sick fly, symbolizing the frailty and insignificance of individuals within the vastness of existence. Additionally, religion is presented as the belief that this cosmic wheel was intentionally created and put into motion to provide meaning and purpose for humanity's existence. Overall, the quote reflects on the existential questions of our place in the universe and the role that religion plays in attempting to answer them.