“Greater than the tread of mighty armies is an idea whose time has come.”
- 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
“Greater than the tread of mighty armies is an idea whose time has come.”
Explanation
In this quote, Victor Hugo emphasizes the unstoppable power of an idea when it is ready to be realized. He compares the influence of a mighty army, typically associated with force, control, and domination, to that of an idea whose time has arrived. While armies may have physical might, Hugo argues that ideas have an even more profound and lasting impact when they resonate with the collective consciousness and align with the needs or desires of the time. When an idea is truly timely and relevant, it becomes a force that can shape history, change societies, and move people with far more enduring power than military might.
This quote reflects Hugo’s belief in the power of intellectual and cultural movements to drive progress. Ideas, once they gain momentum, can transform societies and nations, pushing for changes that no army can defeat. They become the true agents of change, more enduring than physical battles or power structures.
In modern terms, this quote speaks to the idea that ideas—whether they are about justice, equality, innovation, or freedom—have the potential to ignite revolutions, shape society, and outlast any physical force. It encourages us to recognize that the true power of change often lies not in force, but in the timing and resonance of ideas that capture the imagination of people at a pivotal moment in history.
