--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: The colonialist's existence is so closely…" description: "\"“The colonialist's existence is so closely aligned with that of the colonized that he will never be able to overcome the argument which states that mis..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/b20/albert-memmi-28708_arab_the-colonialist-s-existence-is-so-closel_1849047.jpg" --- # The colonialist's existence is so closely aligned with… ![“The colonialist's existence is so closely aligned with that of the colonized that he will never be able to overcome the argument which states that misfortune is good for something. With all his power he must disown the colonized while their existence is indispensable to his own. Having chosen to…” quote by Albert Memmi](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/b20/albert-memmi-28708_arab_the-colonialist-s-existence-is-so-closel_1849047.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/b20/albert-memmi-28708_arab_the-colonialist-s-existence-is-so-closel_1849047.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/b20/albert-memmi-28708_arab_the-colonialist-s-existence-is-so-closel_1849047.jpg) > ““The colonialist's existence is so closely aligned with that of the colonized that he will never be able to overcome the argument which states that misfortune is good for something. With all his power he must disown the colonized while their existence is indispensable to his own. Having chosen to maintain the colonial system, he must contribute more vigor to its defense than would have been needed to dissolve it completely. Having become aware of the unjust relationship which ties him to the colonized, he must continually attempt to absolve himself. He never forgets to make a public show of his own virtues, and will argue with vehemence to appear heroic and great. At the same time his privileges arise just as much from his glory as from degrading the colonized.”” [Albert Memmi](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/albert-memmi/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Colonial power depends on the colonized, leading to a paradox where the colonizer must both dominate and justify his authority, creating moral contradictions. **In simple terms:** Colonialism creates a dependent relationship that forces the colonizer to defend his power. Key Takeaway Recognize and challenge the moral contradictions of domination. Themes colonialism power dependency identity morality Mood critical analytical Type theory observation When to use this quote - academic analysis - political discourse - social justice movements Key Concepts dependence self‑justification privilege Questions to Reflect On - How does dependency shape colonial authority? - What are the ethical implications of defending oppressive systems? A Different Perspective May oversimplify complex historical dynamics. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Arab](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/arab/) [Colonialism](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/colonialism/) [Europeans](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/europeans/) [History](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/history/) [Imperialism](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/imperialism/) [Life](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/life/) [Politics](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/politics/) [Power](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/power/) ## Related quotes > [“Conquest occurred through violence, and over-expolitation and oppression necessitate continued violence, so the army is present. 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