The truth is that neither British nor American imperialism was

Listen closely, O children of wisdom, for the words of Charley Reese speak of a truth that has long been obscured by the rhetoric of power and conquest. He said, "The truth is that neither British nor American imperialism was or is idealistic. It has always been driven by economic or strategic interests." These words strike at the heart of the narratives we are often told about the grand designs of empires, the lofty ideals that were supposed to justify their conquests. But Reese exposes the deeper, less romanticized reality: imperialism, whether British or American, is not driven by altruism or noble intentions, but by self-interest, by the desire for economic gain and the strategic positioning of power.

What is the true nature of imperialism, O seekers of wisdom? It is the expansion of power and influence, not for the benefit of the people it claims to help, but for the benefit of the elite few who control that power. The myth that empires conquer for the sake of spreading culture, democracy, or morality is shattered when we see the economic motivations that lie at the heart of these actions. Empires rise and expand not because of idealistic dreams, but because of the desire to control resources, markets, and territory. Whether it was the British Empire's desire to control trade routes and colonies, or American imperialism's pursuit of global dominance and resources, the driving forces have always been strategic and economic, not ideological.

Consider, O children, the story of the British Empire, which, at its height, spanned the globe. The British justification for imperialism was often framed as a mission to "civilize" the world, to spread the benefits of Western culture and Christianity. But beneath this lofty rhetoric, there lay a more pragmatic reality: Britain sought control of vast territories in Africa, India, and the Caribbean, not out of benevolence, but to exploit the resources of these lands, to secure trade routes, and to maintain dominance in a competitive world. The British Empire was built on the extraction of wealth, from the sugar plantations of the Caribbean to the tea and cotton fields of India. The drive for economic gain was the true force behind their imperialistic ambitions, masked by the noble-sounding justifications.

In more recent history, consider the example of American imperialism in the 20th century, particularly in Latin America. The Monroe Doctrine, a cornerstone of American foreign policy, was framed as a protective measure to keep European powers out of the Western Hemisphere. But in practice, this doctrine was often used to justify American intervention in Latin American nations, not out of any noble concern for their people, but to protect American economic interests. From the support of dictatorships to the overthrow of democratically elected governments, the United States intervened in Latin America to maintain control over the region's resources, particularly in industries like oil and agriculture. The truth behind American imperialism, as Reese points out, was not idealism, but the cold calculation of strategic advantage and economic dominance.

In the face of such truths, O children, we must confront the reality that imperialism, whether in the past or present, is rarely about the high-minded ideals it claims to represent. It is driven by the need for control, whether that control is over resources, markets, or geopolitical power. The idealistic narratives we are fed are tools of justification, created to mask the deeper motives of those who benefit from empire. It is the duty of the wise to see through these illusions, to recognize the economic and strategic interests that lie behind the noble-sounding rhetoric, and to question the true costs of empire.

Thus, the lesson is clear, O children: do not be deceived by the lofty ideals that empires proclaim, for behind every empire lies the quest for power, wealth, and control. In your own lives, seek to understand the deeper motives that shape the actions of those in power. Question the narratives that are presented to you, and look beyond the surface to uncover the true interests at play. Do not allow yourself to be swayed by the rhetoric of idealism, for often it is the smoke and mirrors that hide the more uncomfortable realities of human ambition.

In your own pursuit of wisdom, remember this: the world is filled with those who will speak of lofty ideals, but the true test lies in whether those ideals are backed by actions that seek justice and the common good. Let your actions be guided by the truth, not the convenient myths, and let your understanding of the world be shaped by the economic and strategic forces that lie beneath the surface. Only then will you be able to navigate the world with true wisdom, and to see clearly the realities that shape the course of history.