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
by making himself a priest made himself a demon.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote suggests that by assuming a position of authority within a moral framework, one can also embody its opposite through hypocrisy or moral corruption.
Victor Hugo's quote reflects the duality of human nature and the potential for corruption inherent in positions of power. By becoming a priest, a figure typically associated with virtue and moral authority, one can paradoxically also align themselves with demonic traits, indicating that those who hold such roles may not always embody the values they represent. It highlights the tension between personal integrity and the institutional power that can corrupt individuals, suggesting that moral failings can arise from authority that is unaccountable.
Themes
AuthorityCorruptionHypocrisyMoralityPower
In practice
Example use cases
In a discussion about moral integrity during a leadership seminar.
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.
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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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