This quote encapsulates a profound perspective on human aspiration and the pursuit of perfection. Throughout history, humanity has been driven by the desire to envision and attain a perfect society, a place where justice, peace, and happiness prevail—what Victor Hugo might have considered utopia. During our lives, this dream persists, inspiring artists, thinkers, and leaders to strive toward betterment, often blinded by the idealistic vision of what could be. It reflects the understanding that our conscious existence is fueled by hope and the relentless pursuit of dreams that may remain distant but are essential for purpose and motivation.

However, the quote also highlights an intriguing paradox: that the true realization of the 'Ideal' occurs only after death. This suggests that while our earthly ambitions may fall short, the legacy of our striving—our ideals—are cemented in eternity, transcending mortality. It emphasizes that human endeavors are inherently imperfect and temporary, but their idealized notions live on, inspiring future generations.

Furthermore, this perspective challenges the common perception that aspirations are solely for the living; it elevates the act of dreaming and the pursuit of an ideal as a noble, perhaps even divine, endeavor. The contrast between the dream of utopia in life and the achievement of the ideal after death underscores the importance of sustenance through hope, even amidst inevitable imperfection. It inspires us to persist in our pursuits, knowing that our influence extends beyond our mortal existence, shaping the collective consciousness and possibly guiding us toward a more ideal future.

In a philosophical sense, this quote also invites reflection on the nature of perfection itself—likely an ever-receding horizon that pushes us to improve continually, even knowing that the ultimate perfection may be beyond our grasp. Nonetheless, the journey itself, the dreaming, and the striving are what lend meaning to our lives and deaths.