At times it is suggested that Kurtz would have made a great radical politician or a fast-and-loose journalistic advocate; both callings seem to be needed to right the wrongs in the world, but simply too morally shady to be morally instructive. Kurtz's exercise of his civilizing power seems unable to distinguish between right and wrong, and hence is a force of darkness. .
Kurtz also shows his ability to pursue dark paths as other Company men and natives are cited for showing their own restraint. As the manager tells Marlow: ".there is no disguising the fact, Mr. Kurtz did more harm than good to the Company. He did not see that the time was not ripe for vigorous action." That Kurtz refuses to relent in his single-minded exploits while others are calling for a halt shows that he possesses an inner darkness that refuses to submit to any external demands. Such a powerful, abstract darkness is much like that which Conrad also ascribes to the Congo itself. .
The darkness of Kurtz seems to be actuated only in the sweltering moral abyss of the Conradian Congo; the two hearts are in a sympathy that thoroughly corrupts Kurtz. Throughout Heart of Darkness are many passages from Marlow's narration or in quotations from other people that state that the "remarkable" Kurtz would never have descended into grossly indecent stealing, fighting and otherwise spreading unrestrained madness. These passages also can be said to reflect upon the idea of civilizing imperialism Marlow admiringly mentions in his introduction as Kurtz serves as the embodiment of an imperial mission gone astray from any civilizing acts. Marlow shows the degrading effects of the Congo on his helmsman: "he had no restraint, no restraint - just like Kurtz - a tree swayed by the wind." There is no power on the helmsman's part in this analogy - nor is their any in Kurtz by way of comparison. In Conrad's world, all Kurtz can do is respond to the winds of darkness by being blown over.