[stboz]

Jean Valjean was trying to use his works to justify his previous life. That is never an act of kindness.

Your beliefs are your beliefs. I see Valjean following the example of the monsignor who forgives him for staeling. He does again with the man mis-identified as 24601 and again with Fantine and ultimately with Javert. His were not acts of selfishness in any way.

[Nifster]

Have you actually read Hugo’s work?