Joseph Conrad Quotes

A collection of quotes by Joseph Conrad.

Joseph Conrad was a renowned Polish-British writer, born on December 3, 1857, in Berdychiv, Ukraine, then part of the Russian Empire. His birth name was JÃ³zef Teodor Konrad Korzeniowski. Conrad is widely regarded as one of the greatest novelists in the English language.

Conrad had a diverse background, having traveled extensively and experienced various cultures during his time at sea as a merchant mariner. These experiences became a significant source of inspiration for his literary works. Although English was his third language after Polish and French, Conrad mastered it to such a degree that his prose ranks among the most influential in English literature.

Conrad's novels explored deep psychological and moral dilemmas, often delving into themes of imperialism, colonialism, and the human condition. Some of his most notable works include "Heart of Darkness," "Lord Jim," and "Nostromo."

During his writing career, Conrad gained recognition for his complex narratives, vivid descriptions, and profound character studies. His unique style, combining elements of modernism and realism, had a profound influence on future generations of writers.

Joseph Conrad passed away on August 3, 1924, in Bishopsbourne, England. His legacy continues to captivate readers and critics alike, cementing his position as an enduring literary figure of the 19th and 20th centuries.

The conquest of the earth, which mostly means the taking it

The conquest of the earth, which mostly means the taking it away from those who have a different complexion or slightly flatter noses than ourselves, is not a pretty thing when you look into it.

Empire

As to honor -- you know -- it's a very fine mediaeval inheri

As to honor -- you know -- it's a very fine mediaeval inheritance which women never got hold of. It wasn't theirs.

Honor

It is very difficult to be wholly joyous or wholly sad on th

It is very difficult to be wholly joyous or wholly sad on this earth. The comic, when it is human, soon takes upon itself a face of pain; and some of our grieves... have their source in weaknesses which must be recognized with smiling compassion as the common inheritance of us all.

Emotions

A man that is born falls into a dream like a man who falls i

A man that is born falls into a dream like a man who falls into the sea. If he tries to climb out into the air as inexperienced people endeavor to do, he drowns.

Dreams

Who knows what true loneliness is - not the conventional wor

Who knows what true loneliness is - not the conventional word but the naked terror? To the lonely themselves it wears a mask. The most miserable outcast hugs some memory or some illusion.

Alone

The last thing a woman will consent to discover in a man who

The last thing a woman will consent to discover in a man whom she loves, or on whom she simply depends, is want of courage.

Courage

There is a kind way of assisting our fellow-creatures which

There is a kind way of assisting our fellow-creatures which is enough to break their hearts while it saves their outer envelope.

Service

All ambitions are lawful except those which climb upward on

All ambitions are lawful except those which climb upward on the miseries or credulities of mankind.

Legal

Truth of a modest sort I can promise you, and also sincerity

Truth of a modest sort I can promise you, and also sincerity. That complete, praiseworthy sincerity which, while it delivers one into the hands of one's enemies, is as likely as not to embroil one with one's friends.

Truth

I take it that what all men are really after is some form or

I take it that what all men are really after is some form or perhaps only some formula of peace.

Peace