There are, as we know, powerful and illustrious atheists. At bottom, led back to the truth by their very force, they are not absolutely sure that the… - Victor Hugo

Intellectual and moral growth is no less indispensable than material improvement. Knowledge is a viaticum. Though is a prime necessity; truth is nourishment, like wheat. A reasoning faculty, deprived of knowledge and wisdom, pines away. We should feel the same pity for minds that do not eat as for stomachs. If there be anything sadder than a body perishing for want of bread, it is a mind dying of hunger for lack of light. All progress tends toward the solution. Some day, people will be amazed. As the human race ascends, the deepest layers will naturally emerge from the zone of distress. The effacement of wretchedness will be effected by a simple elevation level.

"ما دام ثمّة - بسبب من القانون والعرف - هلاكٌ اجتماعي يخلق صناعيا وعلى مرأى من الحضارة ومسمع، ضروباً من الجحيم على الأرض ، ويعقد في قضاء بشري محتوم مصيراً هو إلهيٌ ، مادامت مشكلات العصر الثلاث "الحط من قدر الرجل بالفقر ، وتحطيم كرامة المرأة بالجوع، وتقزيم الطفولة بالجهل" لمّا تُحل بعد ، مادام الاختناق الاجتماعي ممكناً ما يزال ... مادام على ظهر هذه الأرض جهلٌ وبؤس، فإن كُتباً مثل هذا الكتاب لا يمكن أن تكون غيرَ ذاتِ غناء."

And do you know Monsieur Marius? I believe I was a little in love with you.