"Classic nineteenth century European imperialists believed they were literally on a mission. I don't believe that the imperialists these days have that same sense of public service. They are simply pirates"
- John Pilger
About this Quote
John Pilger's quote is a criticism of modern-day imperialism. He is comparing the imperialists of the nineteenth century to modern-day imperialists. He recommends that the imperialists of the nineteenth century had a sense of public service, thinking they were on an objective to bring progress and civilization to the world. In contrast, he thinks that modern-day imperialists are simply pirates, inspired by greed and self-interest. He implies that contemporary imperialists are not motivated by a sense of public service, but rather by their own individual gain. This is a criticism of the present state of imperialism, and recommends that it is not as worthy as it as soon as was. Pilger's quote is a suggestion that imperialism must not be used for personal gain, however rather for the benefit of all.
"I weep for the liberty of my country when I see at this early day of its successful experiment that corruption has been imputed to many members of the House of Representatives, and the rights of the people have been bartered for promises of office"