“A library implies an act of faith.”
- 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
“A library implies an act of faith.”
Explanation
In this quote, Victor Hugo suggests that a library, as a collection of knowledge and ideas, is an act of faith in the power of learning and the potential of human thought. By gathering and preserving books, we are essentially putting our trust in the belief that knowledge—whether it is scientific, historical, philosophical, or literary—has value that transcends time. The library is a place where we invest in the future by preserving the wisdom of the past, with the faith that this knowledge will continue to enlighten, inspire, and guide future generations.
The act of building or supporting a library reflects the conviction that human understanding and intellectual development are worth nurturing, even if we cannot immediately see the results of that investment. It is a symbol of hope in the enduring relevance of ideas and the belief that education and knowledge will contribute to the betterment of society. Hugo, in his time, saw libraries as places where ideas could be freely accessed, where social progress and personal growth were nurtured.
In modern terms, this quote underscores the importance of preserving and sharing knowledge through institutions like libraries, which serve as a beacon for intellectual freedom and democratic access to learning. It reminds us that libraries are not just buildings filled with books; they are places of faith in human progress, curiosity, and the empowerment that comes from access to knowledge. They reflect our trust in the idea that learning and sharing ideas can help shape a better future.
