Skip to content

Adventure Quote by Joseph Conrad

“There are many shades in the danger of adventures and gales, and it is only now and then that there appears on the face of facts a sinister violence of intention- that indefinable something which forces it upon the mind and the heart of a man, that this complication of accidents or these elemental…” quote by Joseph Conrad
Download Open image
““There are many shades in the danger of adventures and gales, and it is only now and then that there appears on the face of facts a sinister violence of intention- that indefinable something which forces it upon the mind and the heart of a man, that this complication of accidents or these elemental furies are coming at him with a purpose of malice, with a strength beyond control, with an unbridled cruelty that means to tear out of him his hope and his fear, the pain of his fatigue and his longing for rest: which means to smash, to destroy, to annihilate all he has seen, known, loved, enjoyed, or hated; all that is priceless and necessary- the sunshine, the memories, the future,- which means to sweep the whole precious world utterly away from his sight by the simple and appalling act of taking his life.””

Joseph Conrad

About This Quote

Source Novel: Nostromo, Joseph Conrad, 1904

The quote describes how perilous adventures can unleash a ruthless, uncontrollable force that seeks to erase all that a person values, ultimately ending in death.

In simple terms: Danger can become a cruel, unstoppable force that destroys everything.

Key Takeaway

Recognize and guard against forces that aim to destroy your hopes.

Themes

danger adventure existential destruction hope

Mood

anxious somber reflective

Type

philosophical warning literary

When to use this quote

  • war zones
  • extreme exploration
  • personal crises
  • mental health struggles

Key Concepts

nihilism fate psychological terror

Questions to Reflect On

  • What forces in your life feel unstoppable?
  • How can you protect hope against overwhelming danger?
A Different Perspective

Such forces may be metaphorical rather than literal, limiting practical application.

3.5 out of 5 (3 ratings)

More by Joseph Conrad

Explore all 645 Joseph Conrad quotes

More Adventure quotes

Browse all 7,690 Adventure quotes