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
Taste is the common sense of genius.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Genius is often defined by its unique sense of taste.
In this quote, Victor Hugo suggests that true genius is characterized by an exceptional ability to discern and appreciate beauty and excellence, which he refers to as 'taste.' This insight implies that the artistic and intellectual pursuits of a genius are guided by their refined judgment and understanding of aesthetic values, indicating that taste is a fundamental aspect of creative and intellectual achievements.
Themes
TasteGeniusArtCreativityAesthetics
In practice
Example use cases
In a discussion about art appreciation, one might say, 'As Victor Hugo said, taste is the common sense of genius, reminding us of the importance of discerning quality in art.'
More from Victor Hugo
All quotes →When 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 Cosette’s 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
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
There are no weeds, and no worthless men. There are only bad farmers.
Victor HugoRead
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