Skip to content

The cabman looked at the pieces of silver, which…

“The cabman looked at the pieces of silver, which, appearing very minute in his big, grimy palm, symbolised the insignificant results which reward the ambitious courage and toil of a mankind whose day is short on this earth of evil.” quote by Joseph Conrad
Download Open image
““The cabman looked at the pieces of silver, which, appearing very minute in his big, grimy palm, symbolised the insignificant results which reward the ambitious courage and toil of a mankind whose day is short on this earth of evil.””

Joseph Conrad

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Small, seemingly trivial rewards symbolize the limited gains from ambitious effort in a corrupt world.

In simple terms: Tiny rewards reflect limited gains.

Key Takeaway

Recognize true value beyond trivial rewards.

Themes

ambition corruption reward

Mood

cynical reflective

Type

literary philosophical

When to use this quote

  • career advancement
  • ethical dilemmas

Key Concepts

materialism existentialism human frailty

Questions to Reflect On

  • What truly matters beyond material gain?
  • How to balance ambition with integrity?
A Different Perspective

Focus on trivial rewards can distract from larger purpose.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet

More by Joseph Conrad

Explore all 645 Joseph Conrad quotes

More Courage quotes

Browse all 14,559 Courage quotes