In Nancy Farmer's "The House of the Scorpion," the phrase "Guardian angels guide the steps of idiots" reflects the idea that often, people who lack wisdom or make foolish choices are still protected or guided through their lives, perhaps by unseen forces or luck. It emphasizes the notion that everyone, regardless of their intelligence or decisions, might be under some form of guidance or protection.

This quote can be seen as a commentary on the nature of fate and the unpredictable journey of life. In the novel, characters often face difficult circumstances, and this quote suggests that even those who seem to make poor decisions are eventually led toward their destiny, whether by divine intervention or chance, highlighting the complex interplay of luck, guidance, and personal agency.