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Sayings Quote by Victor Hugo

“M. Myriel had to undergo the fate of every newcomer in a little town, where there are many mouths which talk, and very few heads which think. He was obliged to undergo it although he was a bishop, and because he was a bishop. But after all, the rumors with which his name was connected were rumors…” quote by Victor Hugo
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““M. Myriel had to undergo the fate of every newcomer in a little town, where there are many mouths which talk, and very few heads which think. He was obliged to undergo it although he was a bishop, and because he was a bishop. But after all, the rumors with which his name was connected were rumors only,—noise, sayings, words; less than words— palabres, as the energetic language of the South expresses it.””

Victor Hugo

About This Quote

Source Novel: Les Misérables, 1862

The passage reflects on how a newcomer, even a bishop, is subject to gossip and shallow talk, emphasizing that rumors are mere noise lacking substance.

In simple terms: Newcomers face shallow rumors.

Key Takeaway

Seek truth beyond gossip.

Themes

social perception gossip authority humility

Mood

thoughtful serious

Type

literary philosophical

When to use this quote

  • new workplace
  • public office
  • community integration

Key Concepts

communication social dynamics reputation

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do you discern truth from rumor?
  • What role does humility play in confronting gossip?
A Different Perspective

Rumors can still affect reputations despite rational analysis.

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