Probity, sincerity, candor, conviction, the sense of duty, are things which may become hideous when wrongly directed; but which, even when hideous, remain grand: their majesty, the majesty peculiar to the human conscience, clings to them in the midst of horror; they are virtues which have one vice,-error.
In Victor Hugo's "Les Miserables," the author reflects on the complex nature of human virtues like probity, sincerity, candor, and conviction. While these traits are generally seen as honorable, they can take a darker turn if misguided. Even when they lead to terrible outcomes, these virtues maintain a certain grandeur due to the inherent majesty of the human conscience.
The text emphasizes that although there is a single flaw—error—associated with these virtues, their dignity persists amidst any horror they may invoke. Hugo suggests that the allure and weight of these qualities are profound, highlighting the intricate relationship between virtue and the potential for misguided actions.
