Air Quote by Nicolas Boileau-Despreaux
“Of all the animals which fly in the air, walk on the land, or swim in the sea, from Paris to Peru, from Japan to Rome, the most foolish animal in my opinion is man.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: "Le Sage" (1668) excerpt
Man, despite its abilities, is foolish compared to other creatures because of its folly.
In simple terms: Man is foolish despite abilities.
Key Takeaway
Reflect on human folly.
Themes
human nature
folly
comparative zoology
Mood
critical
analytical
Type
satirical
philosophical
When to use this quote
- political discourse
- environmental policy
- education reform
- ethical debates
Key Concepts
philosophy
satire
Questions to Reflect On
- What human traits counteract folly?
- How can we learn from other species?
A Different Perspective
It may overgeneralize and ignore human achievements.
![“He [Moliere] pleases all the world, but cannot please himself.” quote by Nicolas Boileau-Despreaux](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/812/nicolas-boileau-despreaux-1070_can-not_he-moliere-pleases-all-the-world-but-can_20665.jpg)
![“Happy the poet who with ease can steer From grave to gay, from lively to severe. [Lat., Heureux qui, dans ses vers, sait d'une voix legere Passer du grave au doux, du plaisant au severe.]” quote by Nicolas Boileau-Despreaux](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/1f1/nicolas-boileau-despreaux-1070_ease_happy-the-poet-who-with-ease-can-steer-f_696718.jpg)
![“He [Moliere] pleases all the world, but can- not please himself.” quote by Nicolas Boileau-Despreaux](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/346/nicolas-boileau-despreaux-1070_can-not_he-moliere-pleases-all-the-world-but-can_728403.jpg)
![“Just between you and me, shouldn’t the World Bank be encouraging MORE migration of the dirty industries to the LDCs [Less Developed Countries]?... I think the economic logic behind dumping a load of toxic waste in the lowest wage country is impeccable and we should face up to that... I’ve always…” quote by Lawrence Summers](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/ac4/lawrence-summers-16940_air_just-between-you-and-me-shouldn-t-the-wo_4703.jpg)
![“[A]s you partake of the world's bill of fare, that's darned good advice to follow. Do a lot of spitting out the hot air. And be careful what you swallow.” quote by Dr. Seuss](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/da8/dr-seuss-1224_advice_a-s-you-partake-of-the-world-s-bill-of-f_6806.jpg)
