While through the working of laws and customs there continues to exist a condition of social condemnation which artificially creates a human hell within civilization, and complicates with human fatality and destiny that is divin; while the three great problems of this century, the degradation of man in the proletariat, the subjection of women through hunger, the atrophy of the child by darkness, continue unresolved; while in some regions social asphyxia remains possible; in other words, and in still wider terms, while ignorance and povery persist on earth, books such as this cannot fail to be of value. Hauteville House, I January 1862
In the passage, Victor Hugo reflects on the enduring social issues that plague humanity, highlighting conditions that lead to suffering and injustice within society. He discusses how the laws and customs contribute to a "human hell," creating a cycle of despair tied to fate and divinity. While the age grapples with significant problems like the degradation of the proletariat, the oppression of women, and the suffering of children, these challenges remain unaddressed, leading to continued social and economic disparities.
Hugo argues that as long as ignorance and poverty exist, literature that sheds light on these issues remains essential. He emphasizes the importance of raising awareness about the struggles of marginalized groups, suggesting that such works not only reflect societal failures but also serve as a call to action. Through his plea, he underscores the value of books and ideas in confronting and challenging the status quo for a better future.
