The quote from Joseph Conrad's "Heart of Darkness" vividly illustrates the fleeting and ephemeral nature of life. It compares our existence to a brief and intense blaze or a sudden flash of lightning, emphasizing how momentary and fragile our experiences are. This imagery suggests that life’s significant moments can appear strikingly beautiful but are often short-lived, leaving us to contemplate their transience.

Conrad's reflection encourages deeper thought about how we perceive our lives within the broader context of time. The metaphor of living in the "flicker" implies that while we may strive for permanence and meaning, our lives are ultimately composed of short-lived moments, urging us to appreciate the beauty in the temporary and embrace the present as it is.