In the beginning of Gulliver’s third voyage, Swift shows how too strong an emphasis on abstract reasoning leads to the loss of a grasp on reality. Laputians, the inhabitants of the floating island Laputa, made so many abstract calculations that they forgot what they were trying to accomplish. By naming the island Laputa, the Spanish word for whore, Swift smoothly makes his argument about pointless thought much stronger. For example, they measured every strange angle of Gulliver’s body for fitting him with clothes, yet the clothes did not fit. “He first took my [Gulliver’s] Altitude by a Quadrant, and then with Rule and Compasses, described the Dimensions and Out-Lines of my whole Body; all which he entred upon Paper, and in six Days, bro

opportunity to gain unlimited wisdom; however, after observing the body stature of the immortal, Gulliver finds he would rather be youthful and energized than have immense knowledge. “I [Gulliver] grew heartily ashamed of the pleasing Vision I had formed; and thought no Tyrant could invent a Death into which I would not run with Pleasure from such a Life” (Swift 161). Supported by his satire about disrespecting the elderly, Swift shows how humanity can be further diminished by the decay of family and tradition.

Without a doubt, if tradition and faith is completely abandoned, humans will become one of the most hazardous species on Earth. The grasp of reality will be lost if humans concentrate too heavily on abstract reasoning. In addition to concentrating too heavily on abstract reasoning, humans will forget family, love, and religion if they worry too greatly about improving human life through impractical scientific experiments. Aside from fallacious reasoning, if humans take history and writing for granted, they will forget to question authority, allowing for chaotic government control. Lastly, if the elderly are not cared for and respected, culture, family, and tradition will be lost altogether. With these arguments, Swift emphasizes that if humanity continues to “whore”, all that is known will be lost; therefore, leaving nothing but “Yahoos” to inhabit this planet.

Aside from pointless calculations, Swift also demonstrates how a strong intellect does not make a man wise. For example, the Laputians successfully counted every star in the sky, yet they could not figure out what direction they were heading. Furthermore, they knew every detail of architectural design, yet they could not correctly build a house. Finally, Swift attests how abstract reasoning leads to immorality. The men on Laputa were so caught up in studying that they forgot to praise their women properly, and referred to them in geometrical terms. Consequently, the women found that Balnibarbian m

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