Barbarism Quote by Margaret MacMillan
““We have engrossed to ourselves, in a time when other powerful nations were paralysed by barbarism or internal war, an altogether disproportionate share of the wealth and traffic of the world. We have got all we want in territory, and our claim to be left in the unmolested enjoyment of vast and splendid possessions, mainly acquired by violence, largely maintained by force, often seems less reasonable to others than to us.””
About This Quote
Source Book: The War That Ended Peace: The Road to 1914 by Margaret MacMillan, 2013
The quote critiques how a nation can amass wealth and power through violence, while seeing its dominance as justified, despite being viewed as unreasonable by others.
In simple terms: Power gained by force is seen as rightful by its owners but unfair by others.
Key Takeaway
Recognize the moral cost of wealth built on domination.
Themes
imperialism
ethics
history
power
colonialism
Mood
critical
reflective
Type
analytical
historical
When to use this quote
- colonial expansion
- global trade
- political discourse
- education on history
Key Concepts
realpolitik
moral relativism
historical analysis
Questions to Reflect On
- How does wealth built on conquest affect global relations?
- Can moral legitimacy be reclaimed after violent acquisition?
A Different Perspective
The perspective may overlook internal injustices and the agency of colonized peoples.
![“[Much] as war attracts me and fascinates my mind with its tremendous situations, I feel more deeply every year . . . what vile and wicked folly and barbarism it all is.” quote by Winston Churchill](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/e15/winston-churchill-95_barbarism_much-as-war-attracts-me-and-fascinates-m_68452.jpg)
![“That country [Carthage] was rapidly sinking into the state of barbarism from whence it had been raised by the Phoenician colonies and Roman laws; and every step of intestine discord was marked by some deplorable victory of savage man over civilized society.” quote by Edward Gibbon](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/70c/edward-gibbon-710_barbarism_that-country-carthage-was-rapidly-sinkin_393.jpg)
