"The conquest of the earth, which
mostly means the taking it away from those who have a different complexion
or slightly flatter noses than ourselves, is not a pretty thing when you
look into it too much. What redeems it is the idea only. An idea at the
back of it; not a sentimental pretense but an idea; and an unselfish belief
in the idea-something you can set up, and bow down before, and offer a
sacrifice to."
Joseph Conrad
