"Ah, but that's just the thing. Humans can be petty and bitter, yes, and yet, as a whole they continue to push forward. Making their homes in a harsh climate more comfortable. Finding a means to make the land more productive. Creating faster communicating and travel. Achieving flight. Temporarily leaving even the planet itself entirely behind to walk on the surface of the moon."

Merlin does genuinely admire and care for humanity... as a whole, more than any particular individuals.

"And perhaps they could use a little nudge from time to time to stay on the right track, but how could I possibly resist wanting to see what humans aspire to next?"