“There have been in this century only one great man and one great thing: Napoleon and liberty. For want of the great man, let us have the great thing.”
- February 26, 1802 – May 22, 1885
- Born in France
- Author, poet, playwright
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Quote
“There have been in this century only one great man and one great thing: Napoleon and liberty. For want of the great man, let us have the great thing.”
Explanation
Victor Hugo’s quote reflects on the monumental historical impact of Napoleon Bonaparte and the concept of liberty. Hugo acknowledges Napoleon as the singular great man of his century, symbolizing leadership, power, and revolutionary change. However, Hugo also suggests that, in the absence of such a towering figure, society should still pursue the great thing, which in this case is liberty. This presents a profound statement on the lasting importance of freedom and the idea that even without a great leader, the pursuit of liberty remains a noble and essential goal.
Hugo, who lived through the Napoleonic era and witnessed its aftermath, was deeply affected by the political and social upheavals that followed Napoleon’s rise and fall. The French Revolution and the Napoleonic Wars brought both chaos and hope, and Napoleon’s legacy as both a hero and a tyrant was a source of great debate. Hugo’s statement, in a way, expresses his belief that liberty, which Napoleon once embodied, should remain the guiding principle for future generations, irrespective of individual greatness.
In modern times, the quote continues to resonate, especially in discussions about leadership and social progress. It serves as a reminder that liberty is a core value that should endure even in the absence of iconic figures. Today, while we may not have leaders as prominent as Napoleon, the importance of freedom and human rights is still a driving force in global movements. This quote encourages society to focus on what truly matters—the great thing, liberty—rather than relying solely on individual greatness to bring about change.
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