Joseph Conrad

An artist is a man of action, whether he creates a personality, invents an expedient, or finds the issue of read more

An artist is a man of action, whether he creates a personality, invents an expedient, or finds the issue of a complicated situation.

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.

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.

I dare say I am compelled, unconsciously compelled, now to write volume after volume, as in past years I was read more

I dare say I am compelled, unconsciously compelled, now to write volume after volume, as in past years I was compelled to go to sea, voyage after voyage. Leaves must follow upon each other as leagues used to follow in the days gone by, on and on to the appointed end, which, being truth itself, is one -- one for all men and for all occupations.

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.