“By putting forward the hands of the clock you shall not advance the hour.”
- 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
“By putting forward the hands of the clock you shall not advance the hour.”
Explanation
In this quote, Victor Hugo uses the metaphor of a clock to convey the idea that no matter how much we try to hasten or manipulate time, we cannot control its natural flow. Just as adjusting the hands of the clock forward does not actually advance the moment of time, so too in life, we cannot rush or force outcomes; things will unfold in their own time, regardless of our desires. Hugo reminds us that patience is a necessary part of existence and that trying to accelerate time often leads to frustration or missed opportunities.
This perspective reflects Hugo’s deeper understanding of fate and the inevitability of time—forces that are beyond human control. The quote suggests that we must accept the natural progression of life, recognizing that time, much like a clock, moves forward relentlessly and that there are no shortcuts to growth, wisdom, or change. While we can take action, we must allow time to do its work.
In modern terms, this quote speaks to the limitations we face in controlling the timing of events. It encourages us to understand that impatience or trying to speed things up in life—whether in personal goals, relationships, or career advancement—rarely yields the desired results. Instead, it teaches us the value of patience, acceptance, and the realization that everything has its proper time and place in life.
