---
title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: I repeat that superior races have a right…"
description: "\"I repeat that superior races have a right [to establish colonies], because they have a duty. They have the duty to civilize inferior races.\" — Jules Ferry"
image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/1c2/jules-ferry-65121_colony_i-repeat-that-superior-races-have-a-righ_559417.png"
---

#  I repeat that superior races have a right \[to establish…

![“I repeat that superior races have a right [to establish colonies], because they have a duty. They have the duty to civilize inferior races.” quote by Jules Ferry](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/1c2/jules-ferry-65121_colony_i-repeat-that-superior-races-have-a-righ_559417.png)   [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/1c2/jules-ferry-65121_colony_i-repeat-that-superior-races-have-a-righ_559417.png) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/1c2/jules-ferry-65121_colony_i-repeat-that-superior-races-have-a-righ_559417.png)

> “I repeat that superior races have a right \[to establish colonies\], because they have a duty. They have the duty to civilize inferior races.”

Jules Ferry

## About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

He argues that colonizing powers have a moral duty to civilize other peoples, implying racial superiority.

**In simple terms:** Colonizers claim a duty to civilize others.

Key Takeaway

Recognize the harm of such justifications.

Themes

colonialism racism civilization power duty

Mood

critical reflective

Type

historical political

When to use this quote

- Historical policy debates
- education curricula
- museum exhibits
- public discourse
- political rhetoric

Key Concepts

Social Darwinism imperialism ethical relativism

Questions to Reflect On

- How does framing colonization as a duty affect modern perspectives?
- What alternatives exist to the concept of civilizing missions?

A Different Perspective

This view ignores the agency and humanity of colonized peoples.

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[Colony](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/colony/) [Duty](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/duty/) [Race](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/race/)

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