“The word is the Verb, and the Verb is God.”
- 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 word is the Verb, and the Verb is God.”
Explanation
In this quote, Victor Hugo highlights the profound power and sanctity of language and the spoken word. By equating the word with the Verb, which in many religious and philosophical traditions represents the creative force of the universe, Hugo suggests that language is not just a means of communication, but a divine force that shapes reality. The Verb is often associated with the power of creation in religious texts, such as in the Christian Bible, where “the Word” is said to have been the instrument of creation. In this context, Hugo’s statement suggests that words have the potential to bring about change, transformation, and even divinity in the world.
Hugo’s deep engagement with both religion and philosophy led him to view language as a sacred tool, one that holds the power to create and transform. He believed that just as the Verb in theological texts is a dynamic, life-giving force, so too is language a powerful force that shapes human thought, culture, and destiny. In Hugo’s worldview, the word is not merely a symbol or a tool but an active agent of creation, linking the human and the divine.
In modern terms, this quote reflects the immense influence that language and communication have in shaping our lives, societies, and cultures. From the way we express ideas to how we negotiate meaning, words shape the very fabric of human existence. Hugo’s words encourage us to consider the weight of our words and the responsibility we bear in using language, as it holds the power to construct reality and influence both individuals and entire societies. This perspective calls us to recognize language as not just a means of expression, but a powerful, almost divine force in the world.
