This excerpt from Joseph Conrad's "Youth" reflects the author's contemplation of life and death. The speaker expresses a preference for a soldier over a philosopher, suggesting a belief in the tangible, action-oriented nature of the soldier's life compared to the abstract thinking of the philosopher. This preference seems to have grown stronger over time, as real experiences have shaped the speaker's perspective on life and its inevitable end.

Additionally, the passage acknowledges the fleeting nature of youth, strength, and genius, emphasizing that all those admirable qualities ultimately succumb to death. The speaker's acceptance of this reality points to a resigned attitude towards life's transience, reminding us that despite the loss of cherished individuals and qualities, existence continues with its complexities and uncertainties.