"What can you conceive more silly and extravagant than to suppose a man racking his brains, and studying night and day how to fly?"

William Law's quote reflects a theme of skepticism towards human aspiration and the pursuit of concepts that, at the time, seemed difficult or unreasonable. In the quote, "What can you conceive more ridiculous and elegant than to expect a guy racking his brains, and studying night and day how to fly?" Law highlights the viewed folly or impracticality of human endeavors targeted at achieving what was then considered the difficult: human flight.

Throughout Law's era, the concept of flying was not just clinically challenging but also philosophically tough. The idea of human beings taking to the skies challenged the established norms and the natural order of human existence. Law's usage of the words "ridiculous and extravagant" recommends a view that such pursuits are pointless and overreaching, a typical sentiment among those who might not imagine the technological improvements that lay ahead.

The images of a man "racking his brains, and studying night and day" is expressive of the vigorous devotion and relentless interest that are typically required to achieve advancements in science and innovation. By highlighting the effort involved, Law may be critiquing the futility he perceives in such ventures, highlighting a belief that there are limitations to human capacity and understanding.

Nevertheless, recalling with the hindsight of modern achievements, Law's quote is paradoxical. The presumed "silly" and "lavish" efforts to achieve flight have actually led to monumental advancements, from the Wright brothers' very first effective powered flight to contemporary aerospace engineering. The quote serves as a reminder of the skepticism that frequently surrounds pioneering ideas and innovations. It highlights how point of views on expediency can alter in time as innovation and human understanding evolve.

In essence, Law's quote challenges us to assess the borders of human development and the fundamental stress in between hesitation and possibility-- reminding us that what is considered impractical today might become tomorrow's groundbreaking accomplishment.