It seemed to be a necessary ritual that he should prepare himself for sleep by meditating under the solemnity of the night sky... a mysterious transaction between the infinity of the soul and the infinity of the universe.
Victor HugoRead
Do not let it be your aim to be something, but to be someone.
Interpretation
Focus on being a genuine person rather than striving for titles or status.
This quote suggests that the essence of human existence is not found in external accomplishments or labels but in the authenticity of one's character and the connections we build with others. By emphasizing the importance of 'being someone,' Hugo encourages individuals to cultivate their inner selves and to define their worth through their actions, values, and relationships rather than through societal expectations or superficial goals.
In practice
In a motivational speech about personal growth, you might use this quote to inspire your audience to focus on their personal development.
It seemed to be a necessary ritual that he should prepare himself for sleep by meditating under the solemnity of the night sky... a mysterious transaction between the infinity of the soul and the infinity of the universe.
When two mouths, made sacred by love, draw near to each other to create, it is impossible, that above that ineffable kiss there should not be a thrill in the immense mystery of the stars.
At that moment of love, a moment when passion is absolutely silent under omnipotence of ecstasy, Marius, pure seraphic Marius, would have been more capable of visiting a woman of the streets than of raising Cosetteβs dress above the ankle. Once on a moonlit night, Cosette stopped to pick up something from the ground, her dress loosened and revealed the swelling of her breasts. Marius averted his eyes.
Thought is the work of the intellect, reverie is its self-indulgence. To substitute day-dreaming for thought is to confuse a poison with a source of nourishment.
Taste is the common sense of genius.
Forget not, never forget that you have promised me to use this silver to become an honest man.... Jean Valjean, my brother: you belong no longer to evil, but to good. It is your soul that I am buying for you. I withdraw it from dark thoughts and from the spirit of perdition, and I give it to God!
By our pontifical assertions, our superior impatience, and our casual brushing aside of their curiosity, we do not encourage their inquiry, for we are rather apprehensive of what may be asked of us; we do not foster their discontent, for we ourselves have ceased to question.
It sounds plausible enough tonight, but wait until tomorrow. Wait for the common sense of the morning.
I don't go in for being sorry for people. For one thing it's insulting. One is only sorry for people when they're sorry for themselves. Self-pity is one of the biggest stumbling blocks in the world today.
Pithy sentences are like sharp nails which force truth upon our memory.
We see with the eyes, but we see with the brain as well. And seeing with the brain is often called imagination.
Everything great and intelligent is in the minority
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