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 the end. But of what? The end of France? No. The end of kings? Yes.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote reflects on the significance of change and transformation within society, particularly regarding leadership and governance.
Victor Hugo's quote contemplates a profound shift in history, suggesting that while it may seem like an end, it signifies a broader change rather than a singular loss. It emphasizes the dissolution of old power structures, particularly monarchy, and hints at the potential for new beginnings and ideals that emerge in the wake of such transformations.
Themes
EndChangeKingsTransformationFrance
In practice
Example use cases
In a discussion about the French Revolution and its impacts on modern governance, this quote could illustrate the transition from monarchy to republican ideals.
More from Victor Hugo
All quotes →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.
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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 Cosette’s 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.
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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.
Victor HugoRead
Taste is the common sense of genius.
Victor HugoRead
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!
Victor HugoRead
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