‘You can resist an invading army; you cannot resist an idea whose time has come.’ (Victor Hugo)

Written by Ohn

Grade 12, St Andrews International School 107

Victor Hugo once stated, "You can resist an invading army; you cannot resist an idea whose time has come." This statement, attributed to the 19th-century French writer, carries significant political implications. It suggests that while individuals and armies may be suppressed by force, ideas, particularly political and social ideals, cannot be completely eradicated. Instead, they have the inherent ability to overcome censorship and suppression. This is because ideas can persist across generations, evolving and adapting to outlast outdated institutions.

However, while this reasoning may hold true in certain cases, such as the enduring influence of Islamic terrorism in the Middle East, there are situations where any idea can be suppressed with sufficient force. An example of this can be seen during the Stalinist period in the early 1930s, when Joseph Stalin purged political opponents who held differing variations of communist ideology, including the Trotskyists and the Bukharinists. Stalinist Russia succumbed to the dominance of Stalinist ideology until Stalin's death in 1953, illustrating how different ideals can be effectively eradicated given the opportunity.

In my opinion, the power of an idea stems from various factors, but can be simplified to its level of innovation and influence on the general public. Innovation is highly valued in the modern era, and when an idea is presented in a unique or creative manner, it gains greater leverage and appeal, thus granting it power. Additionally, an idea's power is derived from its influence among individuals and the population at large. When an idea garners widespread support and plays a significant role in shaping major events, it propels itself into a position of power.

Overall, while ideas have the potential to transcend time and overcome resistance, there are instances where force can effectively suppress them. Nonetheless, the power of an idea lies in its ability to innovate, influence, and gather public support, making it a formidable force in shaping the course of history.