“When dictatorship is a fact, revolution becomes a right.”
- 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
“When dictatorship is a fact, revolution becomes a right.”
Explanation
In this quote, Victor Hugo argues that when a dictatorship or authoritarian rule takes control and suppresses the freedoms of the people, revolution is not only justified but becomes a right of the people to reclaim their liberty and self-determination. Hugo acknowledges that while peaceful governance and order are ideal, when a regime becomes oppressive and denies its citizens their fundamental rights, the people have the moral and political right to rise up and overthrow that system. The quote suggests that revolution is not simply an act of rebellion but an inherent right to restore justice, freedom, and dignity when tyranny prevails.
Hugo’s words reflect his deep commitment to democracy, freedom, and the dignity of individuals. For him, a dictatorship is not just a political system but a denial of the basic rights of individuals, and in such circumstances, the people have the duty to resist and seek change. This idea aligns with the Romantic view of freedom and human rights, where the individual’s autonomy and liberty are seen as paramount.
In modern terms, this quote speaks to the idea that when governments or leaders become corrupt, tyrannical, or oppressive, the people have the right to demand change, whether through peaceful protest or more drastic means. It reminds us that democratic rights and individual freedoms are not to be taken for granted, and when those rights are violated, revolution becomes a natural and necessary response to restore justice and freedom.
