Conquerors Quote by Joseph Conrad
““They were conquerors, and for that you want only brute force--nothing to boast of, when you have it, since your strength is just an accident arising from the weakness of others. They grabbed what they could get for the sake of what was to be got. It was just robbery with violence, aggravated murder on a great scale, and men going at it blind--as is very proper for those who tackle a darkness. The conquest of the earth, which mostly means the taking it away from those who have a different complexion or slightly flatter noses than ourselves, is not a pretty thing when you look into it too much.””
About This Quote
Source Novel: The Secret Agent, 1907
He condemns imperial conquest as violent robbery, driven by accidental strength and racial prejudice.
In simple terms: Imperialism is violent, unjust, and rooted in prejudice.
Key Takeaway
Reject exploitation and challenge racist ideologies.
Themes
imperialism
violence
racism
Mood
critical
thought‑provoking
Type
literary
political
When to use this quote
- historical analysis
- social justice activism
- education curricula
Key Concepts
colonialism
morality
power dynamics
Questions to Reflect On
- How can societies dismantle lingering imperial mindsets?
- What responsibilities do we have to address past injustices?
A Different Perspective
The view may overlook complexities of historical actors.
