The quote from Arturo Pérez-Reverte's book "Good Men" reflects the idea that human understanding of the natural world has the power to challenge and dismantle traditional belief systems, including the concept of gods. Historically, societies have created deities to explain the mysteries of nature and existence. However, as people gain knowledge through science and exploration, those once-mystifying elements become comprehensible, leading to a questioning of the very gods that were once revered.

This shifting perspective suggests that enlightenment can diminish the need for divine explanations, pushing humanity toward a more secular understanding of life. As we uncover the truths of nature, the confidence in supernatural beings wanes. The evolution of knowledge plays a crucial role in reshaping beliefs and can ultimately lead to a reassessment of what is deemed sacred or divine, highlighting the tension between ignorance and awareness in the human experience.