Astronomy Quote by Victor Hugo
““Then overwhelmed by the sense of that unknown infinity, like one bewildered by a strange persecution, confronting the shadows of night, in the presence of that impenetrable darkness, in the midst of the murmur of the waves, the swell, the foam, the breeze, under the clouds, under that vast diffusion of force, under that mysterious firmament of wings, of stars, of gulfs, having around him and beneath him the ocean above him the constellations, under the great unfathomable deep, he sank, gave up the struggle, lay down upon the rock, his face towards the stars, humble, and uplifting his joined hands towards the terrible depths, he cried aloud, "Have mercy.””
About This Quote
Source Novel: Les Misérables, Victor Hugo, 1862
Confronting overwhelming darkness leads to humility and a plea for mercy.
In simple terms: Facing darkness brings humility and a cry for mercy.
Key Takeaway
Embrace humility in vast unknowns.
Themes
humility
existence
spirituality
Mood
melancholic
hopeful
Type
literary
spiritual
When to use this quote
- nighttime contemplation
- stormy seas
- personal crisis
- meditation
Key Concepts
Existentialism
nature metaphor
Questions to Reflect On
- What does the darkness symbolize for you?
- How does humility change your response to fear?
A Different Perspective
The poetic language may obscure practical application.
