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About this quote

What does it mean?
Spiritual needs are more enduring than physical ones; ideals come before bread.
In plain terms
Ideals matter even more than food or basic needs.
What can you take from it?
Prioritize ideals and meaning over material needs.

Where it applies

  • philosophy
  • life planning
  • social critique

Putting it to work

  • finding meaning
  • inspiring change

Questions to consider

  • What do you value most?
  • Can ideals sustain life?

Another view

Survival needs often take immediate precedence.

More from Victor Hugo

  1. Lever a six, coucher a dix, Diner a dix, souper a six, Font vivre l'homme dix fois dix.

    Permalink to quote #14
  2. Je represente un parti qui n'existe pas encore, le parti Revolution-Civilisation. Ce parti fera le vingtieme siecle. Il en sortira d'abord les Etats-Unis d'Eur…

    Permalink to quote #16
  3. There shall be no slavery of the mind.

    Permalink to quote #13

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