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 often necessary to know how to obey a woman in order sometimes to have the right to command her.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Respecting and understanding women is crucial for establishing authority in a relationship.
Victor Hugo's quote highlights the importance of respect and mutual understanding in relationships, especially between genders. It suggests that true leadership or authority over someone comes from the ability to listen to and honor their perspective, particularly in the context of a woman. This challenges traditional views of command and authority, emphasizing that genuine connection and respect must precede any claims to command.
Themes
RespectObedienceAuthorityRelationshipsUnderstanding
In practice
Example use cases
During a workshop on effective leadership, one might quote Victor Hugo to discuss the importance of empathy in commanding a team.
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.
Victor HugoRead
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.
Victor HugoRead
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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