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Human nature Quote by Joseph Conrad

“The mind of man is capable of anything-because everything is in it, all the past as well as all the future. What was there after all? Joy, fear, sorrow, devotion, valour, rage-who can tell?-but truth-truth stripped of its cloak of time. Let the fool gape and shudder-the man know, and can look on…” quote by Joseph Conrad
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““The mind of man is capable of anything-because everything is in it, all the past as well as all the future. What was there after all? Joy, fear, sorrow, devotion, valour, rage-who can tell?-but truth-truth stripped of its cloak of time. Let the fool gape and shudder-the man know, and can look on without a wink. But he must at least be as much of a man as these on the shore. He must meet the truth with his own true stuff-with his own inborn strength.””

Joseph Conrad

About This Quote

The passage reflects on humanity's boundless mental capacity, encompassing all experiences across time, and urges authentic confrontation with truth using inner strength.

In simple terms: Human mind holds all past and future, must face truth with inner strength.

Key Takeaway

Inner strength is needed to confront truth.

Themes

human potential temporal continuity truth inner strength existential reflection

Mood

thoughtful introspective determined

Type

philosophical poetic

When to use this quote

  • philosophical contemplation
  • personal crisis
  • creative inspiration
  • spiritual awakening

Key Concepts

mind time truth strength

Practical Applications

  • self‑development
  • literary analysis

Questions to Reflect On

  • What does it mean to meet truth with one's own stuff?
  • How does recognizing all emotions shape one's character?
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