Joseph Conrad

Some great men owe most of their greatness to the ability of detecting in those they destine for their tools read more

Some great men owe most of their greatness to the ability of detecting in those they destine for their tools the exact quality of strength that matters for their work.

I have wrestled with death. It is the most unexciting contest you can imagine. It takes place in an impalpable read more

I have wrestled with death. It is the most unexciting contest you can imagine. It takes place in an impalpable grayness, with nothing underfoot, with nothing around, without spectators, without clamor, without glory, without the great desire of victory, without the great fear of defeat.

As to honor -- you know -- it's a very fine mediaeval inheritance which women never got hold of. It read more

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

Vanity plays lurid tricks with our memory.

Vanity plays lurid tricks with our memory.

A noble man compares and estimates himself by an idea which is higher than himself; and a mean man, by read more

A noble man compares and estimates himself by an idea which is higher than himself; and a mean man, by one lower than himself. The one produces aspiration; the other ambition, which is the way in which a vulgar man aspires.