In the quote from Joseph Conrad's "The Lagoon," the author emphasizes the idea that personal experience carries a weight of truth that written words cannot replicate. While stories can be forgotten or fabricated, the impact of what one has witnessed firsthand remains powerful and enduring in memory. This highlights the distinction between the subjective nature of writing and the objective reality of personal experience.

Conrad suggests that the authenticity of visual perception is unparalleled. The truth that is seen and experienced shapes our understanding of the world and lingers in our minds, untouched by the potential distortions of written narratives. This quote reflects a broader exploration of reality versus representation in literature, underscoring the lasting importance of direct experience in shaping human consciousness.