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
It is from books that wise people derive consolation in the troubles of life.
Interpretation
Books provide comfort and insight to wise individuals during difficult times.
In this quote, Victor Hugo emphasizes the profound role that literature plays in the lives of wise people, suggesting that books serve as a refuge and a source of guidance during life's adversities. Through reading, individuals can find solace, wisdom, and understanding, drawing upon the experiences and thoughts of others to navigate their own challenges.
In practice
In a speech about resilience, one might quote this to inspire others to seek comfort in literature.
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!
To know what people really think, pay regard to what they do, rather than what they say.
To be honest, I've never been interested in how many games I've done and seen. It doesn't mean anything to anybody. All I know is I'm eternally grateful for having been allowed to work so many games.
Part of my preparation for the World Champion match against Kasparov was to be ready for his off-board tactics. I did not to react to them at all. Once you start thinking about these things during the game, even analysing them, you're caught.
Since you have to do the things you have to do, be wise enough to do some of the things you want to do.
A holy life will produce the deepest impression. Lighthouses blow no horns; they only shine.
A well-stocked mind is safe from boredom.
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