Heart of Darkness Quotes
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Source: Heart of Darkness
Author: Joseph Conrad
I don't like work—no man does—but I like what is in the work—the chance to find yourself.
Context
This line is spoken by Charlie Marlow in the novel Heart of Darkness, written by Joseph Conrad (1899).
In the mood to contemplate themes of imperialism, racism, and madness? Then try Heart of Darkness, Conrad's classic novel about a dude named Marlow, who travels deep into Africa on the Congo River, while obsessing over an insane, white-guy-gone-native named Kurtz.
This quote comes in the first chapter of the novel and gives us some clues about Marlow, who isn't necessarily all that into his job of fetching ivory from the African interior. As the quote alludes, Marlow is more into the journey ahead for what he thinks it's going to teach him about himself. Hint: he learns a lot more than he bargains for.
Where you've heard it
You'll find this quote on the occasional meme, blog, or list of great literary quotes. Basically, anywhere people try to sound scholarly. If you want to mess with your boss, try writing it on the bathroom wall at work.
Pretentious Factor
If you were to drop this quote at a dinner party, would you get an in-unison "awww" or would everyone roll their eyes and never invite you back? Here it is, on a scale of 1-10.
Yeah, showing off your Conrad quote skills definitely wouldn't be the least pretentious thing you ever did.