"Jesus wept; Voltaire smiled. From that divine tear and from that human smile is derived the grace of present civilization"

The juxtaposition of “Jesus wept” and “Voltaire smiled” embodies the twin engines that have propelled the evolution of modern culture, sympathy and reason. When the Gospel records that "Jesus wept", it testifies to the capacity for divine compassion, an emotional response that reveals vulnerability, empathy, and a deep sense of shared human suffering. This moment suggests that the greatest strength can reside in the ability to grieve with and for others, acknowledging pain instead of dismissing it, inviting a radical solidarity among all people. Through that tear, the moral conscience of civilization is cultivated; mercy, forgiveness, and love become essential values underpinning institutions, ethics, and personal relationships.

Contrastingly, “Voltaire smiled” refers to the Enlightenment-era philosopher renowned for his wit, rational skepticism, and critical engagement with the dogmas of his age. Voltaire’s smile is the emblem of reason and intellectual independence; it signifies the audacity to challenge tradition, laugh at folly, and pursue truth through questioning. His skepticism does not harden into cynicism, but instead opens the door to progress by promoting inquiry, debate, and tolerance, qualities crucial to science, democracy, and human rights.

From the convergence of the tear and the smile arises what Hugo calls “the grace of present civilization.” Sympathy devoid of reason may lead to fanaticism, sentimentality, or tyranny in the name of love; reason without compassion risks becoming cold, dehumanizing, indifferent to suffering. By blending the spiritual depth of empathy with the liberating force of intellect, modern society acquires its deepest virtues: inclusivity, justice, individual dignity, and collective advancement. It is in the dialogue between heart and mind, the sacred and the skeptical, that civilization finds its balance and grace. In essence, the progress of humanity stands upon both understanding and feeling, as embodied by Christ’s tear and Voltaire’s smile.