"A "modern" man has nothing to add to modernism, if only because he has nothing to oppose it with. The well-adapted drop off the dead limb of time like lice"

This quote by Elias Canetti is a commentary on the contemporary guy's absence of creativity and creativity. He recommends that modern-day man has absolutely nothing to add to modernism because he has absolutely nothing to oppose it with. He compares modern man to lice, which drop off the dead limb of time, recommending that modern male is simply a product of his environment, not able to believe for himself or produce something new. Canetti implies that modern male is too comfortable in his existing state, and is not willing to challenge the status quo. He is content to simply exist, and not pursue something greater. This quote works as a reminder to modern-day guy to strive for something more, to challenge the status quo, and to create something new.