"Peace is the virtue of civilization. War is its crime"

Victor Hugo's quote talks to the concept that peace is the ultimate goal of civilization, and war is a criminal activity versus it. He recommends that peace is the highest virtue that a society can pursue, which war is an offense of that virtue. He indicates that war is a harmful force that must be prevented at all expenses, as it can result in the damage of a society. He likewise implies that peace is the only way to guarantee the survival of a civilization, and that war needs to be avoided whenever possible. By highlighting the importance of peace, Hugo is suggesting that it is the only method to make sure the survival of a civilization which war need to be prevented whenever possible. He is also suggesting that peace is the only method to make sure the progress of a society, and that war needs to be avoided whenever possible. Ultimately, Hugo's quote speaks to the idea that peace is the supreme goal of civilization, and war is a criminal offense against it.