"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'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.