You fight, work, sweat, nearly kill yourself, sometimes do kill yourself, trying to accomplish something - and you can't. Not from any fault of yours. You simply can do nothing, neither great nor little - not a thing in the world - not even marry an old maid, or get a wretched 600-ton cargo of coal to its port of destination.
In Joseph Conrad's "Youth," the author reflects on the struggles and frustrations encountered while pursuing life's ambitions. The central theme emphasizes the relentless efforts individuals put into achieving their goals, often facing obstacles beyond their control. This struggle can be so overwhelming that it feels as though one might risk their life in the pursuit of success, underscoring the gravity and intensity of these challenges.
Ultimately, the narrative conveys a sense of helplessness. Even after putting forth tremendous effort — whether in grand endeavors or everyday tasks — the results can be disappointing or unattainable. Conrad poignantly illustrates that sometimes, despite our best efforts, we are unable to accomplish anything significant, highlighting the futility that can accompany the human experience.
