“To give thanks in solitude is enough. Thanksgiving has wings and goes where it must go. Your prayer knows much more about it than you do.”
- February 26, 1802 – May 22, 1885
- Born in France
- Author, poet, playwright
- Written novels and poems such as “Les Miserables” and “Notre-Dame de Paris,” he was a representative figure of French Romantic literature and had a worldwide influence.
Quote
“To give thanks in solitude is enough. Thanksgiving has wings and goes where it must go. Your prayer knows much more about it than you do.”
Explanation
Victor Hugo suggests that gratitude is a powerful, self-sustaining force that does not need to be expressed publicly or ceremonially to be effective. Thanksgiving, in this view, is an action that transcends the individual moment or setting, metaphorically having “wings” to carry it wherever it is needed. This implies that the energy or intention behind genuine gratitude has its own way of reaching its destination, perhaps influencing the world or others in ways beyond our understanding. Hugo also highlights the idea that prayer—which is often associated with asking for help or expressing thanks—goes beyond the conscious awareness of the person praying. It has a greater wisdom and understanding of what is truly needed, even if we are unaware of it.
This perspective ties into Hugo’s broader belief in the spiritual and transcendent power of human emotions and actions, such as love, gratitude, and prayer. He believed that such acts, even when carried out in solitude, have deep significance and influence, not only on the individual but on the world at large. The quote suggests that gratitude, whether expressed quietly or not at all, still carries immense value and power, capable of creating change and offering blessing in unseen ways.
In modern terms, this quote emphasizes the value of authenticity in acts of gratitude and the belief that our intentions and energy matter more than outward appearances. It reminds us that we do not need grand gestures to express our appreciation; even in solitude, our thankfulness has power and influence. It also speaks to the mystery and wisdom of the universe, suggesting that our prayers or expressions of thanks are understood in ways that go beyond our own limited understanding.
