Page 864 - les-miserables

tions, what does the crucifix represent? The assassinated
sage.
In this nineteenth century, the religious idea is under-
going a crisis. People are unlearning certain things, and
they do well, provided that, while unlearning them they
learn this: There is no vacuum in the human heart. Certain
demolitions take place, and it is well that they do, but on
condition that they are followed by reconstructions.
In the meantime, let us study things which are no more.
It is necessary to know them, if only for the purpose of
avoiding them. The counterfeits of the past assume false
names, and gladly call themselves the future. This spectre,
this past, is given to falsifying its own passport. Let us in-
form ourselves of the trap. Let us be on our guard. The past
has a visage, superstition, and a mask, hypocrisy. Let us de-
nounce the visage and let us tear off the mask.
As for convents, they present a complex problem,—a
question of civilization, which condemns them; a question
of liberty, which protects them.

864 Les Miserables