Joseph Conrad

Any work that aspires, however humbly, to the condition of art should carry its justification in every line.

Any work that aspires, however humbly, to the condition of art should carry its justification in every line.

Only in men's imagination does every truth find an effective and undeniable existence. Imagination, not invention, is the supreme master read more

Only in men's imagination does every truth find an effective and undeniable existence. Imagination, not invention, is the supreme master of art as of life.

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.

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.

Woe to the man whose heart has not learned while young to hope, to love--and to put its trust in read more

Woe to the man whose heart has not learned while young to hope, to love--and to put its trust in life.