In Joseph Conrad's "Heart of Darkness," the theme of conquest is examined through the lens of mere brute force. The quote emphasizes that those who conquer often rely on their physical strength rather than moral superiority. This notion suggests that their achievements are not truly commendable; they are simply the result of exploiting the vulnerabilities of others.

The idea implies that true worth lies beyond mere power and domination. Rather than celebrating conquerors, the narrative calls into question the ethics of their actions, highlighting that strength can often be an unearned advantage rather than a testament to greatness or virtue.