718 Quotes by Joseph Conrad

I remembered the old doctor, – “It would be interesting for science to watch the mental changes of individuals, on the spot.” I felt I was becoming scientifically interesting.

My task, which I am trying to achieve is, by the power of the written word, to make you hear, to make you feel – it is, before all, to make you see.

There is a subtle and unmistakable touch of love and pride, beyond mere skill, almost an inspiration which gives to all work that finish which is almost art – which is art.

The sea, perhaps because of its saltiness, roughens the outside but keeps sweet the kernel of its servants’ soul.

I must live until I die, mustn’t I?

Fatalism is born of the fear of failure, for we all believe that we carry success in our own hands, and we suspect that our hands are weak.

Occupation? Put down, well – tourists. We’ve been called harder names before now;.

There’s no initiation either into such mysteries. He has to live in the midst of the incomprehensible, which is also detestable. And it has a fascination, too, that goes to work upon him. The fascination of the abomination – you know, imagine the growing regrets, the longing to escape, the powerless disgust, the surrender, the hate.

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