“Wide horizons lead the soul to broad ideas; circumscribed horizons engender narrow ideas; this sometimes condemns great hearts to become small minded.Broad ideas hated by narrow ideas,—this is the very struggle of progress.”

French Romantic author, poet, essayist, playwright, journalist, human rights activist and politician

Victor Hugo was a French Romantic writer, poet, essayist, playwright, journalist, human rights activist, and politician. He is known as one of the leading figures of French Romanticism. His work spans several literary forms, and his public life also included political engagement and advocacy for human rights. His writing helped define the Romantic movement in France, and his reputation rests on both his literary range and his influence in public debate.