Evil within Quote by Victor Hugo
““This recurred to his mind unceasingly. To this celestial kindness he opposed pride, which is the fortress of evil within us. He was indistinctly conscious that the pardon of this priest was the greatest assault and the most formidable attack which had moved him yet; that his obduracy was finally settled if he resisted this clemency; that if he yielded, he should be obliged to renounce that hatred with which the actions of other men had filled his soul through so many years, and which pleased him; that this time it was necessary to conquer or to be conquered; and that a struggle, a colossal and final struggle, had been begun between his viciousness and the goodness of that man.””
About This Quote
Source Novel: Les Misérables, 1862
A struggle between pride and divine kindness forces a soul to choose between hatred and forgiveness, highlighting inner moral conflict.
In simple terms: Pride vs. kindness forces moral choice.
Key Takeaway
Choose forgiveness over pride.
Themes
morality
pride
forgiveness
Mood
reflective
hopeful
Type
philosophical
spiritual
When to use this quote
- personal counseling
- spiritual practice
- conflict mediation
- self‑reflection
Key Concepts
theology
psychology
literature
Questions to Reflect On
- What internal battles shape your actions?
- How can you cultivate humility?
A Different Perspective
Forgiveness can be difficult when pride is deeply rooted.
![“persuading himself that he was a most conscientious and glorious martyr, [he] nobly resolved to do what, if he had examined his own heart a little more carefully, he would have found he could not resist. Such is the sleight of hand by which we juggle with ourselves, and change our very weaknesses…” quote by Charles Dickens](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/686/charles-dickens-34_character_persuading-himself-that-he-was-a-most-co_2393256.jpg)
