"The race of man, while sheep in credulity, are wolves for conformity"

In this quote, Carl Clinton Van Doren is making a contrast in between the behavior of human beings and that of sheep and wolves. He recommends that people are quickly swayed and gullible, like sheep, however when it comes to conforming to societal standards, they can be ruthless and aggressive, like wolves. This can be translated as a commentary on the human tendency to blindly follow the crowd and conform to societal expectations, even if it breaks their own beliefs and worths. It also highlights the capacity for human beings to be both vulnerable and harmful, depending on the scenario. In general, this quote acts as a reminder to think seriously and not blindly comply with societal pressures.