“Peace is the virtue of civilization. War is its crime.”
- 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
“Peace is the virtue of civilization. War is its crime.”
Explanation
In this quote, Victor Hugo contrasts peace and war as fundamental aspects of civilization. He argues that peace is not just the absence of conflict, but a moral virtue that reflects the maturity and progress of a society. A civilization that values peace has transcended violence, destruction, and chaos, and instead prioritizes harmony, understanding, and cooperation. War, on the other hand, is described as the crime of civilization—something that disrupts the natural order of human development and progress. For Hugo, war represents a failure of humanity, a moral failure that undermines the very principles that should define a civilized society.
This perspective reflects Hugo’s humanitarian beliefs and his commitment to the idea that peace is the highest form of civilization. By labeling war as a crime, he critiques the acceptance of violence as a means of resolving conflicts, highlighting its devastating consequences for both individuals and societies. Instead, he calls for societies to embrace peace as a guiding principle, recognizing that the true measure of a civilization’s progress is found in its capacity for non-violence and compassion.
In modern terms, this quote speaks to the importance of peace in the context of global issues and international relations. It encourages us to view war not as a necessary evil, but as a moral failure that disrupts human progress and well-being. It reminds us that civilization should be defined by cooperation and understanding, and that the pursuit of peace should be at the core of our efforts to build a more just and compassionate world.
