It takes a man all his inborn strength to fight hunger properly.
 Joseph Conrad, Heart of Darkness (1899). copy citation

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Author Joseph Conrad
Source Heart of Darkness
Topic strength hunger
Date 1899
Language English
Reference
Note
Weblink http://www.gutenberg.org/files/219/219-h/219-h.htm

Context

“and as to superstition, beliefs, and what you may call principles, they are less than chaff in a breeze. Don't you know the devilry of lingering starvation, its exasperating torment, its black thoughts, its sombre and brooding ferocity? Well, I do. It takes a man all his inborn strength to fight hunger properly. It's really easier to face bereavement, dishonour, and the perdition of one's soul—than this kind of prolonged hunger. Sad, but true. And these chaps, too, had no earthly reason for any kind of scruple.” source