Kindness Quote by Jonathan Swift
““a crew of pirates are driven by a storm they know not whither; at length a boy discovers land from the topmast; they go on shore to rob and plunder, they see a harmless people, are entertained with kindness; they give the country a new name; they take formal possession of it for their king; they set up a rotten plank, or a stone, for a memorial; they murder two or three dozen of the natives, bring away a couple more, by force, for a sample; return home, and get their pardon. Here commences a new dominion acquired with a title by divine right. Ships are sent with the first opportunity; the natives driven out or destroyed; their princes tortured to discover their gold; a free license given to all acts of inhumanity and lust, the earth reeking with the blood of its inhabitants: and this execrable crew of butchers, employed in so pious an expedition, is a modern colony, sent to convert and civilize an idolatrous and barbarous people!””
About This Quote
Source Satire: Gulliver's Travels, 1726
A scathing critique of colonialism, portraying explorers as violent conquerors who justify cruelty as civilization.
In simple terms: Colonialism is a brutal, self‑justifying enterprise.
Key Takeaway
Recognize and challenge imperialist narratives.
Themes
colonialism
violence
hypocrisy
civilization
power
satire
Mood
critical
somber
reflective
Type
satirical
political
historical
When to use this quote
- historical analysis
- education
- policy reform
- human rights advocacy
Key Concepts
imperialism
moral hypocrisy
civilizing mission
Questions to Reflect On
- How does satire reveal hidden truths about empire?
- What modern parallels exist?
A Different Perspective
Colonialism often masks economic exploitation with moral rhetoric.
