“There is no folly of the beast of the earth which is not infinitely outdone by the madness of men ”
— Herman Melville
Simplified Meaning:
Animals might do some things that seem silly or foolish, but nothing compares to the crazy, harmful things people can do. For example, a dog digging holes in a backyard isn't nearly as dangerous as humans starting wars or destroying the environment. People have the ability to understand, plan, and make decisions, which sometimes leads to actions that cause great harm and chaos. This idea highlights how human behavior can often be much more destructive than anything animals might do. To apply this to our own lives, it's a reminder to think carefully about our actions and try to avoid making choices that could lead to serious consequences. Taking responsibility for our actions and considering their impact on others can help us avoid making such harmful mistakes.