“The human soul has still greater need of the ideal than of the real. It is by the real that we exist; it is by the ideal that we live.”
- 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
“The human soul has still greater need of the ideal than of the real. It is by the real that we exist; it is by the ideal that we live.”
Explanation
In this quote, Victor Hugo highlights the difference between existence and living, and the essential role of the ideal in enriching human life. He acknowledges that while we exist through our physical reality—the tangible aspects of life such as work, survival, and daily routines—it is the ideal—our dreams, aspirations, and visions of a better world—that truly gives our lives meaning and purpose. The real may sustain us physically, but it is the ideal that nourishes the soul, inspiring us to reach higher, dream bigger, and pursue greater goals.
Hugo’s words reflect his belief in the power of the imagination and the visionary nature of human beings. The ideal is what drives us forward, giving us something to strive for and enabling us to live with a sense of purpose. It is through the ideal that we find hope, meaning, and inspiration, even in the face of life’s harsh realities.
In modern terms, this quote speaks to the importance of having dreams and goals that extend beyond mere survival. While the real world provides the structure for our existence, it is the ideal—the pursuit of something greater—that gives life its depth and richness. It encourages us to aspire and strive for something beyond the ordinary, reminding us that to truly live, we must be motivated by ideals that inspire and uplift the human spirit.
