One of the greatest writers in history, Victor Hugo was a well-known French author who frequently offered insightful and witty criticism of society. His claim that trends are more detrimental than revolutions may seem counterintuitive at first, but closer inspection reveals a deeper significance.

Hugo thought that societal trends could be harmful to real progress and the welfare of people, especially when they are motivated by ill-considered ideals or shallow desires. Fashion can quietly permeate every sphere of life, from individual convictions to governmental regulations, without people recognizing the detrimental effects until it is too late, in contrast to a revolution, which seeks to effect major change through disruption.

Think of revolutions as unexpected floods that reshape rivers and create new routes, and fashions as slow, steady rain that slowly erodes the landscape. Over time, the harm caused by fashions becomes more widespread even though it is frequently less obvious. They have the potential to erode moral principles, waste money, or establish irrational standards that society finds difficult to live up to.

During a turbulent time in French history, Victor Hugo saw both the advantages and disadvantages of swift social change. His statement expresses his worry that passing fads in politics, art, or culture could draw focus away from more important problems like injustice, poverty, and inequality.

Hugo urges people to be conscientious consumers of cultural norms and values by making this analogy. People must critically assess trends and their possible effects on the welfare of society, much like a gardener must carefully control the growth of plants to ensure they flourish.