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There have been in this century only one great man and one great thing: Napoleon and liberty. For want of the great man, let us have the great thing.
Victor Hugo
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Interpretation

What this quote means

This quote emphasizes the importance of liberty over individual greatness.

Victor Hugo reflects on the significance of liberty as a paramount value, suggesting that even in the absence of remarkable leaders like Napoleon, society should strive for the ideal of freedom. The quote implies that the collective pursuit of liberty is more vital than any single individual's achievements or influence.

Themes

LibertyGreatnessFreedomNapoleonSociety

In practice

Example use cases

During a speech about human rights, one might say, 'As Victor Hugo once stated, we should prioritize liberty over individual greatness.'

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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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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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