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
Religions do a useful thing: they narrow God to the limits of man. Philosophy replies by doing a necessary thing: it elevates man to the plane of God.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote contrasts the roles of religion and philosophy in defining humanity's relationship with God.
Victor Hugo illustrates the differing approaches of religion and philosophy toward the divine and humanity. He argues that while religions tend to confine the concept of God to human understanding, philosophy has the capacity to elevate the human condition, allowing individuals to aspire to a higher spiritual or moral existence that aligns with the greatness of God. This reflects a dynamic interplay between faith and reason, showcasing how both can inform and enrich human experience.
Themes
ReligionPhilosophyGodHumanityUnderstanding
In practice
Example use cases
In a debate on the nature of faith and reason, you might use this quote to illustrate differing views about the divine.
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!
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