America had declared war with Spain.... It did not require much political wisdom to see that America's concern was a matter of sugar and had nothing to do with humanitarian feelings. Of course there were plenty of credulous people, not only in the country at large, but even in liberal ranks, who believed in America's claim. I could not join them. I was sure that no one, be it individual or government, engaged in enslaving and exploiting at home, could have the integrity or the desire to free people in other lands. (p. 226)
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Claims of humanitarianism in foreign policy often mask economic interests and exploitation.
- In plain terms
- Wars often claim to help others but are really about profit.
- What can you take from it?
- Look beyond stated reasons for foreign actions.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- How do we distinguish true aid from exploitation?
- What motivates government actions?
Another view
Humanitarian concerns can be genuine alongside economic interests.
More from Emma Goldman
As to killing rulers, it depends entirely on the position of the ruler. If it is the Russian tsar, I most certainly believe in dispatching him to where he belo…
Permalink to quote #41 The people are asleep; they remain indifferent. They forge their own chains and do the bidding of their masters to crucify their Christs. (p. 304)
Permalink to quote #43 I do not believe in God, because I believe in man. Whatever his mistakes, man has for thousands of years past been working to undo the botched job your God has…
Permalink to quote #40
Related quotes
Who speaks the truth stabs Falsehood to the heart.
James Russell LowellJames Russell Lowell quote #2 That it is unwise to be heedless ourselves while we are giving advice to others, I will show in a few lines.
PhaedrusPhaedrus quote #2 I admit I distorted intelligence to please Stalin because I feared him.
Filipp GolikovFilipp Golikov quote #2