Quote by Victor Hugo

That figure stood for a long time wholly in the light; this arose from a certain legendary dimness evolved by the majority of heroes, and which always veils the truth for a longer or shorter time; but to-day history and daylight have arrived.That light called history is pitiless; it possesses this peculiar and divine quality, that, pure light as it is, and precisely because it is wholly light, it often casts a shadow in places where people had hitherto beheld rays; from the same man it constructs two different phantoms, and the one attacks the other and executes justice on it, and the shadows of the despot contend with the brilliancy of the leader. Hence arises a truer measure in the definitive judgments of nations. Babylon violated lessens Alexander, Rome enchained lessens Caesar, Jerusalem murdered lessens Titus, tyranny follows the tyrant. It is a misfortune for a man to leave behind him the night which bears his form.

Summary

This quote reflects on the nature of history and its ability to uncover the truth about individuals and events. It suggests that while heroes are often romanticized and their faults veiled in legend, the light of history ultimately reveals their true nature. History is described as pitiless, shedding its pure light on figures previously seen in a positive light, uncovering their darker aspects. This leads to more accurate and just judgments by nations, as the shadows and faults of despots and leaders are exposed. Ultimately, it warns that leaving a negative legacy is a misfortune because history will expose it.