Whatever causes night in our souls may leave stars. — Victor Hugo · Smartyfair

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Whatever causes night in our souls may leave stars. — Victor Hugo · Smartyfair

Whatever causes night in our souls may leave stars.

Victor Hugo1802–1885 · writer · 1800s FranceVictor Hugo was a French novelist and poet who wrote two of the most beloved novels in history, Les Misérables and The Hunchback of Notre-Dame.5 quotes

Source foundWisdom

In plain words

The dark parts of a life can leave something shining behind.

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whatever
causes
night
souls
leave
stars

Where these words come from

How sure this is: 92% sureThese words were traced back to where they first appeared. That source is listed below.
What turned up: Ninety-Three (Quatrevingt-treize, 1874), Part 2 Bk 1 Ch 2 — narrator's own aphorism amid a description of Cimourdain, not a character's dialogue. Trans. Aline Delano (per Project Gutenberg #49372's catalog record).
Work: Ninety-Three
Sources checked: en.wikisource.orgChecked using claude-sonnet-5, 21 August 2026exact paragraph fetched, confirms wording and narrator voice
gutenberg.org

More from Victor Hugo

Change your opinions, keep to your principles; change your leaves, keep intact your roots.

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In the midst of chaos, there is also opportunity.

1800s

Checked using claude-sonnet-5, 21 August 2026

bibliographic record naming translator Aline Delano

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Victor Hugo

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The wound is the place where the light enters you.

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You have power over your mind, not outside events. Realize this, and you will find strength.

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An unexamined life is not worth living.

Wonder is the feeling of a philosopher, and philosophy begins in wonder.