"In the works of man, everything is as poor as its author; vision is confined, means are limited, scope is restricted, movements are labored, and results are humdrum"

Joseph de Maistre draws a direct link between human limitation and the outputs of human endeavor, asserting that all works created by humans inevitably bear the mark of their creators' shortcomings. Human vision is necessarily bounded; no mind can fully comprehend the infinite complexity of the world, and thus every attempt at creation, innovation, or reform is circumscribed by the limited perspectives and aspirations of individuals. The "means are limited", emphasizing not only a lack of resources but also the inherent constraints of human faculties, time, and knowledge. No matter how grand one's ambition, execution falters when met with the hard boundaries of possibility.

Scope is "restricted", reaffirming the narrow channels through which human creativity must flow. Even the most far-reaching plans cannot escape the fence of their originator’s context, historical, cultural, intellectual. The phrase "movements are labored" refers to the effortful, sometimes clumsy process by which humans strive toward their goals. Progress is rarely smooth or spontaneous; rather, it is characterized by struggle, setbacks, and repetitious toil. Each step forward demands energy, planning, and overcoming obstacles, reminding us of the essential friction that underlies any achievement.

Finally, "results are humdrum" delivers a sobering conclusion. Despite great effort and burning vision, outcomes are more often than not unremarkable. Extraordinary results are the exception, not the rule, because the limitations woven into the process at every stage shape the final product. There is an undeniable humility in Maistre’s observation: our works reflect not our ideals, but our bounded humanity. This perspective fosters a realistic, even somber, view of progress, reminding readers to temper their expectations and recognize the intrinsic modesty of human creation. By measuring human work against our flaws, Maistre calls for an acceptance of mediocrity as the norm, a necessary result of the very nature of our being.