Is it possible to imagine anything so ridiculous as this miserable
and wretched creature, which is not so much as master of himself,
exposed and subject to offenses of all things; and yet dareth call
himself master and emperor of this universe in whose power it is
not to know the least part of it, much less to command the same?
And the privilege, which he so fondly challengeth, to be the only
absolute creature in this huge world’s frame perfectly able to know
the absolute beauty and several parts thereof, and that he is only of
power to yield the great Architect thereof due thanks for it, and
keep account both of the receipts and layings-out of the world!
Who hath sealed him this patent? Let him show us his letters of
privilege for so noble and so great a charge.

—Michael de Montaigne, An Apology of Raymond Sebond, 1568