15 Quotes by Cecil Rhodes
Cecil Rhodes, a polarizing figure in history, was a British statesman, mining magnate, and one of the most significant figures of the late 19th century. As a staunch advocate of British imperialism, Rhodes played a key role in expanding the British Empire’s territory in Africa, particularly in Southern Africa.
He is perhaps best known for establishing the British South Africa Company and for his involvement in the colonization of present-day Zimbabwe and Zambia, which were named after him (Rhodesia). While celebrated by some as a visionary and philanthropist for his contributions to education and public works, Rhodes’ actions and policies have also been met with criticism and controversy due to their exploitative and oppressive nature towards indigenous African populations.
His legacy is a complex and multifaceted one, representing both the heights of ambition and progress, as well as the dark side of colonialism and its lasting impact on the continent. Cecil Rhodes’ life serves as a reminder of the complexities of history and the importance of critically examining the actions and consequences of influential figures from the past.
Cecil Rhodes Quotes
Africa is still lying ready for us it is our duty to take it. It is our duty to seize every opportunity of acquiring more territory and we should keep this one idea steadily before our eyes that more territory simply means more of the Anglo-Saxon race more of the best the most human, most honorable race the world possesses.
We must find new lands from which we can easily obtain raw materials and at the same time exploit the cheap slave labor that is available from the natives of the colonies. The colonies would also provide a dumping ground for the surplus goods produced in our factories.
Remember that you are an Englishman, and have consequently won first prize in the lottery of life.
Ask any man what nationality he would prefer to be, and ninety nine out of a hundred will tell you that they would prefer to be Englishmen
If there be a God, I think he would like me to paint Africa British-Red as possible.
Why should we not form a secret society with but one object, the furtherance of the British Empire and the bringing of the whole world under British rule, for the recovery of the United States, for making the Anglo Saxon race but one Empire? What a dream, but yet it is probable; it is possible.
To think of these stars that you see overhead at night, these vast worlds which we can never reach. I would annex the planets if I could; I often think of that. It makes me sad to see them so clear and yet so far.
So little done, so much to do.
Having read the histories of other countries, I saw that expansion was everything, and that the world’s surface being limited, the great object of present humanity should be to take as much of the world as it possibly could.
You are an Englishman, and have subsequently drawn the greatest prize in the lottery of life.
When people praise you, don’t let it go to your head. When they criticize you, don’t let it go to your heart.
Pure philanthropy is very well in its way but philanthropy plus five percent is a good deal better.
Man begets, but land does not beget.
The real fact is that I could no longer stand their eternal cold mutton.
Wherever you turn your eye—except in science—an Oxford man is at the top of the tree.
― Cecil Rhodes Quotes
Chief Editor
Tal Gur is an impact-driven creator at heart. After trading his daily grind for a life of his own design, he spent a decade pursuing 100 life goals around the globe. Tal's journey and recent book, The Art of Fully Living, inspired him to found Elevate Society.
