What’s Wrong with the World · Chapter
Part II: Imperialism: Or the Mistake About Man explained
Chesterton critiques imperialism as a sentimental and cowardly ideology that mistakes the nature of man, arguing that it fosters a false sense of adventure while avoiding true moral and domestic responsibilities.
What happens
Chesterton critiques imperialism as a sentimental and cowardly ideology that mistakes the nature of man, arguing that it fosters a false sense of adventure while avoiding true moral and domestic responsibilities.
Themes in this chapter
Imperialism and National Weakness
Chesterton argues that imperialism is a form of national weakness disguised as strength, rooted in sentimentality and fear of domestic responsibility.
Social Class and Oligarchy
The critique links imperialism to aristocratic optimism and the maintenance of oligarchic power.
Characters to notice
- Kipling
Cited as a representative of imperialist sentiment, whose poetry is described as 'sentimental' and 'imperialist'.
- Lord Curzon
Mentioned in the context of imperialist figures who embody the 'optimism' of aristocratic power.
- The English
Referenced as a nation prone to the sentimental imperialism Chesterton criticizes.
Key passages
“Imperialism is a theory that a man should have the same feelings for a place he has never seen as for a place he has seen.”
Chesterton defines imperialism as demanding an artificial, sentimental attachment to distant lands equal to one's love for home.
Highlights the central critique of imperialism as emotionally dishonest.
“The imperialist is a person who thinks it is more important to spread the name of England than to spread the nature of England.”
Imperialists prioritize expanding England's reputation over preserving its true character and values.
Contrasts superficial expansion with genuine cultural integrity.