"An invasion of armies can be resisted, but not an idea whose time has come"

This quote by Victor Hugo speaks with the power of ideas and how they can be more prominent than physical force. He is suggesting that a concept, once it has taken hold, is unstoppable. It is not something that can be resisted by physical ways, such as an army. The concept has a momentum of its own and will continue to spread out and grow till it is accepted. This is a powerful declaration about the power of ideas and how they can shape the world. It is a tip that concepts can be more effective than physical force which we need to take care about what ideas we choose to accept. Ideas can have a lasting effect on society and can be more prominent than any army.