In Victor Hugo's "Les Miserables," the quote reflects the inevitability of thought, comparing it to the relentless tide of the sea. Just as the ocean consistently laps at the shore, our minds are drawn back to certain ideas, no matter how hard we try to resist. This highlights the power of our thoughts and their tendency to resurface, suggesting that they are an inescapable part of our consciousness.

The quote emphasizes the struggle between conscious effort and the natural flow of the mind. It implies that, like waves returning to the beach, certain thoughts and memories will always find their way back into our awareness. This notion serves as a reminder of the persistence of human emotions and reflections in the face of attempts to forget or move on, reinforcing the idea that some ideas are fundamental to our existence.