“My childhood began, as everybody’s childhood begins, with prejudices. Man finds prejudices beside his cradle, puts them from him a little in the course of his career, and often, alas! takes to them again in his old age.”
- 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
“My childhood began, as everybody’s childhood begins, with prejudices. Man finds prejudices beside his cradle, puts them from him a little in the course of his career, and often, alas! takes to them again in his old age.”
Explanation
In this quote, Victor Hugo reflects on the unavoidable nature of prejudices in human life. He suggests that prejudices are ingrained in us from an early age—society’s biases and assumptions are learned during childhood, passed down from family, culture, and environment. As we grow and gain more experience and awareness, we may challenge or discard these prejudices, realizing that they are unjust or narrow-minded. However, despite our efforts to overcome them, prejudices often find a way back into our lives, particularly in later years, when we may become more set in our ways or revert to past thinking.
Hugo’s words highlight the inherent struggle against prejudice, suggesting that it is not something easily overcome. Despite intellectual progress and personal growth, societal and individual prejudices often persist, often resurfacing in the later stages of life, shaped by fear, conservatism, or nostalgia for familiar ideas.
In modern terms, this quote speaks to the persistent nature of prejudice in human societies and individuals. It serves as a reminder that, even as we evolve, we must remain vigilant in questioning and challenging ingrained biases. It also suggests that we need to actively cultivate awareness and critical thinking throughout life, as the battle against prejudice is ongoing, and we should strive to avoid falling back into old patterns of thinking, especially as we grow older.
