“Men become accustomed to poison by degrees.”
- 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
“Men become accustomed to poison by degrees.”
Explanation
In this quote, Victor Hugo reflects on how negative influences or harmful conditions can become normalized over time. Just as a person might slowly build up a tolerance to poison, becoming less sensitive to its effects, society or individuals can become gradually desensitized to corruption, injustice, or other forms of harm. What might once have been unthinkable or unacceptable can, over time, be accepted as normal or even inevitable, especially when exposure to it happens gradually. Hugo warns about the dangers of becoming too accustomed to suffering, evil, or wrongdoing, as it erodes our ability to recognize and react against it.
This statement highlights the insidious nature of moral or societal decay—how harmful things can infiltrate our lives and become accepted without us fully realizing the long-term damage they cause. It suggests the caution needed in recognizing harmful influences before they become too ingrained or difficult to resist.
In modern terms, this quote speaks to how society can become complacent or desensitized to inequality, violence, or unethical practices over time. It calls for awareness and vigilance in recognizing and confronting toxic behaviors or systems before they become normalized. The idea is a reminder that we must actively work to resist and reject harmful influences in our lives and society before they become too deeply ingrained.
