What is Voltaire's Point?

The universe was not made to be understood by human reason. On the contrary, we have developed reason to understand the patterns inherent in the universe. To say that the patterns of the universe have adapted themselves to human reason is absurd.

But if noses were not made for spectacles, then does Voltaire prove that they were not 'made' at all? Does he mean that the universe was not made?

For the answer to this conundrum, see Voltaire, "On Final Causes," Philosophical Dictionary (1752)

In order that one may be certain of the true end for which a cause functions, it is essential that that effect shall exist at all times and in all places. There were not ships at all times and on all the seas; hence one cannot say that the ocean was made for the ships. One feels how ridiculous it would be to maintain that nature had worked from all time in order to adjust herself to the inventions of our arbitrary arts, which appeared so late; but it is quite evident that if noses were not made for spectacles, they were for smelling, and that there have been noses ever since there have been men. Similarly, hands not having been given on behalf of glove-makers, they are visibly destined for all the purposes which the metacarpal bones and the phalanges and the circular muscle of the wrist may procure for us.  (Voltaire, "On Final Causes" )

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