“Prayer is an august avowal of ignorance.”
- 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
“Prayer is an august avowal of ignorance.”
Explanation
In this quote, Victor Hugo suggests that prayer is an acknowledgment of our limited understanding and knowledge as human beings. By praying, we express our recognition that there are aspects of life—whether about the divine, the unknown, or the uncontrollable—that we cannot fully comprehend or control. Prayer, in this sense, is a humble admission of our ignorance about the deeper mysteries of life, as we reach out to a higher power for guidance, help, or understanding. It is “august” (meaning dignified or reverent) because it is done with a sense of awe and respect, acknowledging that there is much beyond our comprehension.
Hugo’s words reflect his view of human vulnerability and the limitations of human understanding in the face of the infinite. Prayer, in this sense, is not a boastful claim of knowledge, but an act of humility, where we recognize that there is so much beyond our grasp, and we turn to the divine or spiritual for answers we cannot find within ourselves.
In modern terms, this quote speaks to the idea that spirituality and prayer are acts of humility and openness, where we accept that there are mysteries in life that cannot be explained or controlled. It encourages a sense of humbleness in seeking guidance, understanding that sometimes, the act of prayer is not about having answers, but about being open to the unknown and finding peace in the search for meaning.
