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in our civilization there are fearful hours - such are…

“in our civilization there are fearful hours - such are those when the criminal law pronounces shipwreck upon a man. What a mournful moment is that in which society withdraws itself and gives up a thinking being forever.” quote by Victor Hugo
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““in our civilization there are fearful hours - such are those when the criminal law pronounces shipwreck upon a man. What a mournful moment is that in which society withdraws itself and gives up a thinking being forever.””

Victor Hugo

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

When society abandons a thinker, it condemns them to a metaphorical shipwreck, a loss of intellectual contribution.

In simple terms: Society abandoning thinkers is a tragic loss.

Key Takeaway

Protect and value critical thinkers.

Themes

society intellect loss responsibility

Mood

somber reflective

Type

philosophical critical

When to use this quote

  • education policy
  • legal reform
  • public discourse
  • media representation

Key Concepts

philosophy social critique humanism

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can we safeguard intellectual freedom?
  • What responsibilities do citizens have to support thinkers?
A Different Perspective

Even with criticism, societies may still marginalize dissenting voices.

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