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
Genius is rare because the means of becoming one have not been available
Interpretation
What this quote means
Genius is uncommon because the opportunities to nurture it are limited.
Victor Hugo's quote highlights the rarity of genius and suggests that the potential for genius exists within individuals, but often the resources, guidance, and environment conducive to developing such talents are not accessible to everyone. This speaks to the importance of providing support and systems that allow individuals to flourish and reach their full potential as unique thinkers.
Themes
GeniusOpportunityPotentialDevelopmentTalent
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech about education reform, one might use this quote to emphasize the need for resources to nurture creative talents in schools.
More from Victor Hugo
All quotes βWhen 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 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.
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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.
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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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