“The omnipotence of evil has never resulted in anything but fruitless efforts. Our thoughts always escape from whoever tries to smother them.”
- 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.
table of contents
Quote
“The omnipotence of evil has never resulted in anything but fruitless efforts. Our thoughts always escape from whoever tries to smother them.”
Explanation
In this quote, Victor Hugo emphasizes the resilience of human thought and the inevitability of truth and goodness, despite attempts to suppress or control them. He argues that even though evil or oppressive forces may appear powerful, their efforts to stifle or dominate human thoughts and beliefs are ultimately futile. Hugo suggests that no matter how much power is exerted to silence or suppress ideas, those ideas will find a way to emerge—escape from suppression—and thrive. The freedom of thought, Hugo implies, is an unstoppable force that cannot be permanently confined, no matter how strong the attempt to silence it.
This statement reflects Hugo’s optimism about the human spirit and the enduring power of ideas. Despite external forces of oppression or evil, the truth and goodness that people believe in will always find a way to manifest. Hugo suggests that ideas and thoughts are inherently liberating, and any attempt to smother them will only result in temporary success—eventually, they will break free.
In modern terms, this quote speaks to the power of free speech and the resilience of human thought in the face of censorship or oppression. It serves as a reminder that no matter how much power is used to suppress ideas, whether through political control, censorship, or fear, truth and justice will always find a way to break through. It encourages us to protect and celebrate the freedom of thought, knowing that ideas rooted in truth and goodness cannot be silenced forever.
