"You can't imagine how stupid the whole world has grown nowadays"

This quote by Nikolai Gogol is a reflection of his opinion on the state of the world throughout his lifetime. He is revealing his frustration in the lack of intelligence and understanding that he sees worldwide. He believes that the world has actually become increasingly ignorant and absurd, and that it is difficult to understand how far it has actually fallen. He is most likely referring to the lack of education and knowledge that was available to individuals throughout his time, in addition to the frequency of superstition and false beliefs. He is also most likely describing the political and social discontent that was happening during his lifetime, and the absence of understanding and compassion that was present in society. Gogol's quote is a tip of the significance of understanding and education, and how it can assist to produce a better world.