No fear can stand up to hunger, no patience can wear it out, disgust simply does not exist where hunger is; and as to superstition, beliefs, and what you may call principles, they are less than chaff in a breeze.
In Joseph Conrad's "Heart of Darkness," the quote emphasizes the overwhelming power of hunger and desperation. It suggests that when a person is faced with extreme need, all other fears and beliefs become irrelevant. Hunger drives individuals to abandon their patience and morality, as basic survival instincts take precedence. This highlights the primal nature of humanity when confronted with extreme circumstances, suggesting that civilized ideas and principles can easily be dismissed in the face of dire needs.
The reference to superstition and principles as "less than chaff in a breeze" reinforces the idea that these constructs are fragile and insignificant when survival is at stake. The quote illustrates the stark contrast between the civilized world and the savagery that can emerge in the absence of basic necessities, inviting readers to reflect on the darker aspects of human nature and the impact of colonialism on both individuals and cultures.
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