Folly having been driven back and hidden towards the centre during the rigour of the winter, 'tis now to be seen on the surface, and buds out like the trees. This is as plain as a nose in a man's face. . . .

Rabelais uses this vivid comparison to illustrate the cyclical and ever-present nature of human folly. He compares folly to the natural cycles, suggesting that just as trees bud in spring after a harsh winter, foolishness resurfaces despite being temporarily suppressed. The simile "as plain as a nose in a man's face" underscores the obviousness and inevitability of this return. By leveraging the changing seasons, Rabelais emphasizes that folly is an intrinsic part of human nature; it recedes only to emerge anew. This observation not only critiques the notion of human progress toward wisdom but also ties into a broader satirical theme present in his work, challenging the readers to recognize and reflect on their own follies. The enduring metaphor used by Rabelais has resonated through literature, illustrating a timeless truth about human behavior.