“You have enemies? Good. That means you’ve stood up for something, sometime in your life.”
- 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.
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Quote
“You have enemies? Good. That means you’ve stood up for something, sometime in your life.”
Explanation
In this quote, Victor Hugo suggests that having enemies is not necessarily a negative thing, but rather a sign that you have taken a stand or have advocated for something meaningful in your life. To have enemies implies that your actions, beliefs, or principles have been strong enough to provoke opposition, which is often the result of challenging the status quo or asserting a personal truth. Hugo’s words imply that those who avoid conflict or passivity may have never risked standing up for what they believe in. Enemies, in this sense, become a badge of honor—a sign that you have acted with conviction and have been bold enough to pursue what you believe is right.
This perspective reflects Hugo’s view of courage and integrity. Having enemies means that you have engaged with the world in a way that is meaningful, often involving sacrifice or risk for a greater cause. It suggests that standing up for what you believe in is worth the opposition it may bring, as it indicates a strong moral foundation.
In modern terms, this quote speaks to the idea that individuality, authenticity, and activism often come with challenges, including criticism or opposition. It encourages us to embrace criticism and see it as a sign that we are living authentically, standing up for our values, and making a meaningful difference in the world. Having enemies becomes an indicator of strength in the face of adversity, not a weakness.
