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Darkness Quote by Victor Hugo

“If there is anything terrible, if there exists a reality which surpasses dreams, it is this: to live, to see the sun, to be in full possession of viral force; to possess health and joy; to laugh valiantly; to rush toward a glory which one sees dazzling in front of one; to feel in ones's breast…” quote by Victor Hugo
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““If there is anything terrible, if there exists a reality which surpasses dreams, it is this: to live, to see the sun, to be in full possession of viral force; to possess health and joy; to laugh valiantly; to rush toward a glory which one sees dazzling in front of one; to feel in ones's breast lounges which breath, a heart which beats, a will which reasons; to speak, think, hope, love; to have a mother, to have a wife, to have children, to have the light - and all at once, in the space of a shout, in less than a minute, to sink into an abyss; to fall, to roll, to crush, to be crushed,to see ears of wheat, flowers, leaves, branches; not to be able to catch hold of anything; to feel one's sword useless, men beneath one, horses on top of one; to struggle in vain, since ones bones have been broken by some kick in the darkness; to feel a heel which makes ones's eyes start from their sockets; to bite horses' shoes in one's rage,; to stifle. to yell, to writhe; to be beneath, and to say to one's self, "But just a little while ago I was a living man!””

Victor Hugo

About This Quote

Source Novel: Les Misérables, 1862

Life is a whirlwind of intense experiences—joy, love, struggle, and fleeting moments of awe—all compressed into brief, powerful bursts.

In simple terms: Life packs intense highs and lows into short moments.

Key Takeaway

Embrace each intense moment fully.

Themes

existence intensity human experience philosophy emotion

Mood

introspective poetic

Type

philosophical literary

When to use this quote

  • reflecting on personal peaks
  • writing poetry
  • mindful meditation
  • discussing literature

Key Concepts

ephemeral joy human fragility existential awe psychological turbulence

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do you find meaning in fleeting intensity?
  • Can joy be sustained without loss?
A Different Perspective

The quote may romanticize suffering.

3.8 out of 5 (8 ratings)

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