To Decoud's avowal of subjective truth, Antonia makes the critical rejoinder: that idealism is not merely about recognizing subjective truth, but about imposing it on others. Her rejoinder means, "It is not enough for you, in the carriage, to sympathize about Costaguana as a victim of conquering dream-ideals. The aim is to triumph, which means accepting the conquering forces as they are and using them for our own ends; i.e., we must become conquerors ourselves."

Her viewpoint is proud but rather callous, for it permits any "use" of men.