Mit der Dummheit kämpfen Götter selbst vergebens.

With stupidity the gods themselves struggle in vain.

Against stupidity the very gods themselves contend in vain.

Against stupidity the very Gods themselves toil in vain

Against stupidity the very gods themselves contend in vain.

A pity about the people! they are brave enough comrades, but they have heads like a soapboiler's. [Ger., Schad'um die Leut'! Sind sonst wackre Bruder Aber das denkt, wie ein Seifensieder.]