The quote from Joseph Conrad's "The Secret Agent" reflects the notion that true wisdom involves a recognition of the complexities and uncertainties inherent in life. It suggests that an awareness of these contradictions can inhibit one's ambition and success. If a person fully grasped the unpredictability of their environment, they might instinctively avoid the actions that lead to their current advancement.

This idea critiques the nature of ambition and the pursuit of power. In striving for promotion and recognition, individuals often overlook the potential consequences of their decisions. The wisdom that comes from understanding the fluidity of circumstances may ultimately hinder one's rise in a system that values certainty and decisiveness over reflective caution.