“It is most pleasant to commit a just action which is disagreeable to someone whom one does not like.”
- 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
“It is most pleasant to commit a just action which is disagreeable to someone whom one does not like.”
Explanation
In this quote, Victor Hugo explores the idea that the satisfaction of performing a just or right action can be heightened when it goes against someone who is disliked or opposed. When we do something morally right, it can bring a sense of personal satisfaction, but this feeling may be intensified when the action causes discomfort or displeasure to someone we have a negative relationship with. Hugo is reflecting on the psychological aspect of justice and how, at times, the act of doing the right thing can feel even more rewarding when it challenges or disrupts someone who stands in opposition to us.
However, Hugo’s quote also touches on the complexity of human emotions. The desire to feel validated or triumphant over someone we dislike can blur the lines between pure justice and the satisfaction of revenge or vindication. While the action may still be just, the pleasure derived from another’s displeasure reveals a more self-serving element of the human experience.
In modern terms, this quote speaks to how the emotional aspect of justice can sometimes be influenced by our personal feelings toward others. While doing the right thing is inherently rewarding, the satisfaction of causing discomfort to those we dislike can sometimes overshadow the true moral purpose of the action. It encourages us to reflect on the motivations behind our actions and to ensure that justice is pursued for its own sake, not merely to gratify personal grudges.
