In Victor Hugo's "Les Miserables," the author reflects on the dual nature of human achievements, suggesting that even the grandest monuments of civilization embrace their contradictions. These great structures symbolize human endeavor and progress, yet they also serve as a reminder of life's inherent unpredictability and irony. The concept highlights that even the highest achievements are susceptible to the whims of fate.

The phrase implies that while humanity strives for greatness through its creations, there is an underlying playfulness to existence that cannot be overlooked. This balance between majesty and mischief reveals a deeper truth about life, suggesting that it is not only our triumphs but also our failures that contribute to the rich tapestry of civilization. Hugo elegantly encapsulates the coexistence of glory and folly, emphasizing the complexity of human experience.