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Fear Quote by Victor Hugo

“That evening, before he went to bed, he said again: "Let us never fear robbers nor murderers. Those are dangers from without, petty dangers. Let us fear ourselves. Prejudices are the real robbers; vices are the real murderers. The great dangers lie within ourselves. What matters it what threatens…” quote by Victor Hugo
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““That evening, before he went to bed, he said again: "Let us never fear robbers nor murderers. Those are dangers from without, petty dangers. Let us fear ourselves. Prejudices are the real robbers; vices are the real murderers. The great dangers lie within ourselves. What matters it what threatens our head or our purse! Let us think only of that which threatens our soul.””

Victor Hugo

About This Quote

Source Novel: Les Misérables by Victor Hugo, 1862

Internal flaws and prejudices are more dangerous than external threats; self‑awareness is essential for moral safety.

In simple terms: Our biggest dangers are within us.

Key Takeaway

Guard against inner vices.

Themes

morality self‑awareness danger

Mood

reflective serious

Type

philosophical advice

When to use this quote

  • personal growth
  • leadership
  • ethical decision making

Key Concepts

prejudice vice inner conflict

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can we identify our own prejudices?
  • What habits protect the soul?
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