In his reflections, Victor Hugo advocates for a shift away from national identities, urging people to transcend their English, French, or German origins and embrace a united European identity. He emphasizes the importance of seeing beyond borders and nationalities, promoting the idea that humanity should come together as one collective rather than being divided by geographic distinctions.

Hugo believes that to achieve this unity, individuals must relinquish their attachment to their homeland, which he views as a form of selfishness. He calls for a greater purpose that focuses on our shared human experience, encouraging a sense of global belonging that rises above national pride.