The quote from Victor Hugo's "Les Miserables" emphasizes the transformative power of the mundane and seemingly worthless aspects of life. It suggests that even something as common as sand can undergo a profound change when subjected to heat and pressure, turning into beautiful crystal. This metaphor illustrates how great ideas and discoveries often arise from humble beginnings.

Hugo specifically mentions influential figures like Galileo and Newton, indicating that their groundbreaking insights about the universe were built upon the foundational elements represented by the sand. This serves to remind us that remarkable achievements can emerge from the most ordinary of sources, and that the process of transformation is essential for progress in knowledge and understanding.