"Nature makes only dumb animals. We owe the fools to society"

This quote by Honore de Balzac is a commentary on the nature of human society. He is suggesting that while nature produces animals that are instinctive and do not have the capacity for complex idea, it is society that develops fools. This suggests that the foolishness of some people is a result of their upbringing and environment, rather than a natural characteristic. Balzac is recommending that society is responsible for developing foolishness, which it is not something that is intrinsic in humanity. He is also implying that society ought to take duty for the absurdity of its members, and work to create an environment that motivates wisdom and understanding. By doing so, society can assist to decrease the number of fools it produces.