“A society that admits misery, a humanity that admits war, seem to me an inferior society and a debased humanity; it is a higher society and a more elevated humanity at which I am aiming – a society without kings, a humanity without barriers.”
- 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 society that admits misery, a humanity that admits war, seem to me an inferior society and a debased humanity; it is a higher society and a more elevated humanity at which I am aiming – a society without kings, a humanity without barriers.”
Explanation
In this quote, Victor Hugo expresses his vision for a just and ideal society, one that transcends the limitations of poverty, war, and inequality. He critiques a society that allows misery and conflict to exist as a reflection of a lower or debased humanity. For Hugo, these conditions are signs of an inferior society—one that has not yet reached its potential for compassion, peace, and human dignity. He contrasts this with his goal of creating a higher society, a more elevated humanity that strives for a world free of oppression and division. His vision includes a society without kings, symbolizing the elimination of hierarchical power structures, and a humanity without barriers, representing a world in which all people are treated as equals, free from societal divisions such as class, race, and nationality.
Hugo’s words reflect his commitment to the ideals of equality, social justice, and peace, which were central to his Romantic and humanitarian beliefs. He envisions a future where humanity evolves beyond the need for violence and hierarchy, and where all people have the opportunity to live in a world that is more just, compassionate, and inclusive.
In modern terms, this quote speaks to the idea that societies and cultures that perpetuate inequality, violence, and suffering are inherently flawed and cannot achieve their true potential. It urges us to aim for a world that is just, equal, and free from divisions, where all people are treated with respect and dignity. Hugo’s vision is one of unity and peace, where barriers—whether physical, social, or political—are broken down, and all individuals are seen as equals in a shared humanity.
