Joseph Conrad's quote highlights the idea that idealizing life or simplifying its complexities diminishes its richness. When we attempt to beautify our experiences, we risk losing the depth and character that make life meaningful. This idea suggests that confronting life’s complexities, rather than glossing over them, contributes to a fuller understanding of existence.

In "The Secret Agent," this theme resonates throughout the narrative, emphasizing that stripping away the intricacies of reality leads to a poorer, less authentic experience. Rather than shying away from life's challenges, embracing them allows for a more profound engagement with the world, ultimately enriching our lives instead of diminishing them.