For our part, if we were forced to make a choice between the barbarians of civilization and the civilized men of barbarism, we should choose the barbarians.
In Victor Hugo's "Les Miserables," there is a compelling examination of the dichotomy between civilization and barbarism. The quote emphasizes a preference for the so-called barbaric individuals who, despite their lack of sophistication, possess a certain raw human quality that can be more authentic than the cultured yet morally corrupt aspects of civilized society.
The choice between barbarians and the civilized men of barbarism highlights the complexities of morality and human nature. It suggests that true character may be found outside the constraints of societal norms, and that embracing the honesty of barbarism could lead to a more genuine existence compared to the deceit often present in civilized behaviors.
