Again Conrad juxtaposes "stupidity" with "innocence" in his
portrayal of the primitive dictator, suggesting that this kind of direct amorality
is purer than the more refined sort. Certainly the subjugation of right and wrong
to one's personal ends also characterizes, for instance, Charles Gould and Holroyd,
and even Mrs Gould was seen to do the same.
Compare Decoud's generalized statement, "What is a conviction? A particular
view of our personal advantage."
The "innocence" of the simple plunderer, it seems, consists in not enlarging
personal desire beyond the scale of personal gratification.