Meaning: The quote "Jesus wept; Voltaire smiled. From that divine tear and from that human smile is derived the grace of present civilization" by Victor Hugo presents a profound contrast between the sorrow and compassion of Jesus and the wit and optimism of the philosopher Voltaire. Victor Hugo, a renowned French author, poet, and playwright, wrote this quote to emphasize the complementary nature of human emotions and experiences in shaping the progress of civilization.

In the first part of the quote, "Jesus wept," Hugo refers to a biblical account found in the Gospel of John, where Jesus weeps at the tomb of his friend Lazarus. This poignant moment underscores the humanity and compassion of Jesus, demonstrating his capacity for empathy and sorrow in the face of human suffering. Hugo's choice of this phrase reflects the deep emotional and spiritual resonance associated with the figure of Jesus in both religious and literary contexts.

The second part of the quote, "Voltaire smiled," alludes to the Enlightenment philosopher François-Marie Arouet, known by his pen name Voltaire. Voltaire was a key figure of the Enlightenment, advocating for reason, tolerance, and freedom of thought. His writings often conveyed a sense of optimism, humor, and a sharp wit that challenged the prevailing social and religious norms of his time. By juxtaposing Voltaire's smile with Jesus's tears, Hugo contrasts the solemnity of religious sentiment with the intellectual buoyancy and humanistic spirit of the Enlightenment.

Hugo's assertion that "From that divine tear and from that human smile is derived the grace of present civilization" encapsulates his belief that the interplay between profound empathy and intellectual enlightenment has shaped the course of human progress. The divine tear symbolizes the deep well of compassion and spiritual insight, while the human smile represents the capacity for reason, humor, and the advancement of knowledge. According to Hugo, the fusion of these elements has contributed to the grace and refinement evident in contemporary civilization.

This quote can be interpreted as a reflection on the dual nature of human experience, encompassing both profound emotion and intellectual acumen. It suggests that the synthesis of empathy and reason, as embodied by Jesus and Voltaire, has been instrumental in shaping the moral and intellectual foundations of modern society. Hugo's perspective aligns with the broader cultural and philosophical movements that have sought to reconcile the spiritual and the rational, acknowledging the richness of human experience in its multifaceted expression.

In summary, Victor Hugo's quote "Jesus wept; Voltaire smiled. From that divine tear and from that human smile is derived the grace of present civilization" encapsulates a profound juxtaposition between the emotional depth of religious sentiment and the intellectual vibrancy of Enlightenment thought. Through this contrast, Hugo highlights the complementary roles of compassion and reason in shaping the fabric of human civilization, emphasizing the enduring significance of these fundamental aspects of the human experience.