there is a curse of futility upon our character: don quixote and sancho panza, 
chivalry and materialism, high-sounding sentiments and a supine morality, 
violent efforts for an idea and a sullen acquiescence in every form of corruption.


we convulsed a continent for our independence only to become the passive prey 
of a democratic parody, the helpless victims of scoundrels and cutthroats, 
our institutions a mockery, our laws a farce...



joseph conrad,
nostromo.