"The gods are watching, but idly, yawning"

This quote by Mason Cooley recommends that although the gods are present, they are not actively associated with the affairs of human beings. The gods are merely observing, with a sense of detachment and disinterest. This might be translated as a cautioning to humans that they must not depend on the gods to intervene in their lives, as they are not likely to do so. It could likewise be translated as a tip that people must take duty for their own actions, as the gods are not likely to intervene. The image of the gods yawning implies that they are tired and unenthusiastic in the affairs of humans, and that humans ought to not anticipate any assistance from them. This quote serves as a pointer that human beings need to take duty for their own actions, as the gods are not most likely to intervene.