No man is more unhappy than the one who is never in adversity; the greatest affliction of life is never to be afflicted.

That is the explanation of war, an outrage by humanity upon humanity in despite of humanity.

What says the law? You will not kill. How does it say it? By killing!

My revenge is fraternity! No more frontiers! The Rhine for everyone! Let us be the same Republic, let us be the United States of Europe, let us be the continental federation, let us be European liberty, let us be universal peace!

A few feet under the ground reigns so profound a silence, and yet so much tumult on the surface!

We would be ashamed of our best behavior if the people knew the motives of our behaving so.

Ah! There you are! he exclaimed, looking at Jean Valjean. I'm so glad to see you. Well, but how is this? I gave you the candlesticks too, which are of silver like the rest, and for which you can certainly get two hundred francs. Why did you not carry them away with your forks and spoons?