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Aspects of life Quote by Victor Hugo

“What was he doing during the trip? What was he thinking about? As he had during the morning, he watched the trees go by, the thatched roofs, the cultivated fields, and the dissolving views of the countryside that change at every turn of the road. Scenes like that are sometimes enough for the soul…” quote by Victor Hugo
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““What was he doing during the trip? What was he thinking about? As he had during the morning, he watched the trees go by, the thatched roofs, the cultivated fields, and the dissolving views of the countryside that change at every turn of the road. Scenes like that are sometimes enough for the soul, and almost eliminate the need for thought. To see a thousand objects for the first and last time, what could be more profoundly melancholy? Traveling is a constant birth and death. It may be that in the murkiest part of his mind, he was drawing a comparison between these changing horizons and human existence. All aspects of life are in perpetual flight before us. Darkness and light alternate: after a flash, an eclipse; we look, we hurry, we stretch out our hands to seize what is passing; every event is a turn in the road; and suddenly we are old. We feel a slight shock, everything is black, we can make out a dark door, the gloomy horse of life that was carrying us stops, and we see a veiled and unknown form that turns him out into the darkness. (pg. 248)””

Victor Hugo

About This Quote

Source Book: Les Misérables, Victor Hugo, 1862

Travel reveals life's fleeting nature, prompting melancholy as each view births and ends, mirroring human existence's constant change.

In simple terms: Travel shows life’s constant change and fleeting moments.

Key Takeaway

Embrace each moment, aware of its transience.

Themes

impermanence melancholy travel existence

Mood

reflective poetic

Type

literary philosophical

When to use this quote

  • road trips
  • journaling
  • mindful observation
  • creative writing

Key Concepts

philosophy of time existential reflection

Questions to Reflect On

  • What does each new view teach you about life?
  • How can you balance melancholy with appreciation?
A Different Perspective

The quote may romanticize melancholy, overlooking joy in travel.

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