"We see past time in a telescope and present time in a microscope. Hence the apparent enormities of the present"

Victor Hugo's quote is a reflection en route we view time. He suggests that when we recall at the past, we tend to view it through a telescope, making it appear distant and far. On the other hand, when we take a look at the present, we tend to see it through a microscopic lense, making it appear much closer and more extreme. This contrast in perspective can lead us to overemphasize the "enormities" of the present, making them seem much more significant than they actually are. To put it simply, we might be too quick to evaluate the present and overlook the fact that it is just a part of a much larger timeline. Hugo's quote motivates us to take a step back and acquire a more well balanced perspective on today.