“The belief in a supernatural source of evil is not necessary; men alone are quite capable of every wickedness.”

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Meaning

The quote says that evil does not need a supernatural cause because people are already capable of terrible acts on their own. It points to human beings as sufficient sources of wickedness. The line also suggests that blaming evil on something beyond people can be unnecessary.

When It Was Said

1911

Who It Was Said To

Not documented yet.

Historical Context

Cited on Wikiquote as coming from Pt. II, ch. 4.

Source

Pt. II, ch. 4

Original Language & Translation

Originally said in English.

Did They Really Say It?

Listed with a cited source on Wikiquote.

Did You Know?

Cited on Wikiquote as coming from Pt. II, ch. 4.

About Joseph Conrad

Polish-British novelist and short story writer

Joseph Conrad was a Polish-British novelist and short story writer. He became one of the major figures in English-language fiction, even though he did not speak English fluently until his twenties. He is remembered for the force and style of his prose, and for bringing a non-English perspective into English literature. His work helped shape modern literary fiction through its precision, atmosphere, and distinctive narrative voice.

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The shadow-line

2001

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