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
Forty is the old age of youth; fifty the youth of old age.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote reflects on the perceptions of age, suggesting that different stages of life hold their own unique qualities of youth and vitality.
Victor Hugo suggests that age should not be rigidly defined by numbers; rather, there is a fluidity to the concept of youth that is present even in older phases of life. At forty, one can still have the vibrancy and aspirations characteristic of youth, while at fifty, one can embrace the newfound wisdom that often accompanies aging, viewing it as an opportunity to rejuvenate and create a second act.
Themes
AgeYouthWisdomLifePerception
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be shared during a birthday celebration to inspire the guest of honor.
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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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