In no other kind of life is the illusion more wide of reality—in no other is the beginning all illusion—the disenchantment more swift—the subjugation more complete.
 Joseph Conrad, Lord Jim (1900). copy citation

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Author Joseph Conrad
Source Lord Jim
Topic reality illusion
Date 1900
Language English
Reference
Note
Weblink http://www.gutenberg.org/files/5658/5658-h/5658-h.htm

Context

“There is such magnificent vagueness in the expectations that had driven each of us to sea, such a glorious indefiniteness, such a beautiful greed of adventures that are their own and only reward. What we get—well, we won’t talk of that; but can one of us restrain a smile? In no other kind of life is the illusion more wide of reality—in no other is the beginning all illusion—the disenchantment more swift—the subjugation more complete. Hadn’t we all commenced with the same desire, ended with the same knowledge, carried the memory of the same cherished glamour through the sordid days of imprecation? What wonder that when some heavy prod gets home the bond is found to be close;” source