In Joseph Conrad's "Heart of Darkness," the phrase "We live in the flicker" speaks to the transient nature of life and existence. It suggests that our lives are brief moments of light in an otherwise dark and chaotic world. This fleeting existence highlights the fragility of human life and the struggle for meaning amid uncertainty. The flicker symbolizes both the illumination of knowledge and the darkness of ignorance that surrounds us.
The quote also conveys a sense of hope, wishing that this brief spark of life endures as long as the earth continues its journey. It reflects a profound acknowledgment of the connection between humanity and the natural world, suggesting that our existence is intertwined with the larger cycles of life. This yearning for longevity amid the inevitability of decay adds a poignant layer to the exploration of civilization, savagery, and the human spirit's resilience in the face of darkness.