"Here is true immorality: ignorance and stupidity; the devil is nothing but this. His name is Legion"

In this quote, Gustave Flaubert is suggesting that real immorality depends on lack of knowledge and stupidity. He compares these qualities to the devil, specifying that the devil is nothing more than a symptom of these negative qualities. By utilizing the phrase "His name is Legion," Flaubert is referencing the biblical story in which Jesus casts out a demon from a male and the satanic force responds by stating "My name is Legion, for we are numerous." This additional stresses the concept that lack of knowledge and stupidity are widespread and can have a damaging impact, similar to the devil. Flaubert's words serve as a caution against the threats of remaining ignorant and silly.