“A war between Europeans is a civil war.”
- 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.
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Quote
“A war between Europeans is a civil war.”
Explanation
In this quote, Victor Hugo reflects on the idea that when European nations go to war with one another, it is not just an external conflict, but a form of internal struggle within a broader shared identity. Hugo suggests that since European nations share common cultural, historical, and racial roots, conflict between them is akin to a civil war—a war fought within a family or community. This underscores the point that Europeans, despite their political differences, are part of a greater, united cultural and civilizational heritage.
Hugo’s words are a comment on the futility and destructive nature of conflict between people who share so much in common. By calling it a civil war, Hugo emphasizes the idea that Europeans should see each other not as foreign enemies, but as brothers and sisters, and that conflict between them is ultimately self-destructive.
In modern terms, this quote speaks to the idea that international conflict can sometimes be viewed as a form of self-inflicted harm when nations with shared histories and values fight one another. It serves as a reminder of the interconnectedness of human societies and the common ground we share, suggesting that the true enemy is not one another, but the divisions that separate us. Hugo’s words encourage us to seek unity and understanding, rather than violence, between nations that have more in common than they may realize.
