“The present generation, wearied by its chimerical efforts, relapses into complete indolence. Its condition is that of a man who has only fallen asleep towards morning: first of all come great dreams, then a feeling of laziness, and finally a witty or clever excuse for remaining in bed.”
The idea behind the quotation
After exhausting themselves with unrealistic ambitions, people become inactive and invent clever reasons to avoid making an effort.