"The onward march of the human race requires that the heights around it constantly blaze up with noble lessons of courage. Deeds of daring dazzle history and form one of man's guiding lights. The dawn dares when it rises. To strive, to brave all risks, to persist, to persevere, to be faithful to oneself, to grapple hand to hand with destiny, to surprise defeat by the slight terror it inspires, at one time to confront unjust power, at another to defy drunken triumph, to hold fast, to hold hard - such is the example nations need, and the light that electrifies them."
-- Victor Hugo, Les Miserables