1
But the artist appeals to that part of our being which is not dependent on wisdom; to that in us which is a gift and not an acquisition– and, therefore, more permanently enduring. He speaks to our capacity for delight and wonder, to the sense of mystery surrounding our lives; to our sense of pity, and beauty, and pain; to the latent feeling of fellowship with all creation– and to the subtle but invincible conviction of solidarity that knits together the loneliness of innumerable hearts, to the solidarity in dreams, in joy, in sorrow, in aspirations, in illusions, in hope, in fear, which binds men to each other, which binds together all humanity– the dead to the living and the living to the unborn.Joseph Conrad
2
But sometimes, by the deserving and the fortunate, even that task is accomplished. And when it is accomplished– behold! – all the truth of life is there: a moment of vision, a sigh, a smile– and the return to an eternal rest.Joseph Conrad
3
He seemed to hasten the retreat of departing light by his very presence; the setting sun dipped sharply, as though fleeing before our nigger; a black mist emanated from him; a subtle and dismal influence; a something cold and gloomy that floated out and settled on all the faces like a mourning veil. The circle broke up. The joy of laughter died on stiffened lips.Joseph Conrad