“I wanted to conquer Rhodesia because I truly believe that Africa would be happier, richer and safer as part of the British Empire. People say that this empire-building was all about ‘taking’ and ‘stealing’: but life in Rhodesia was very good – even for the people we conquered.”
More from Cecil Rhodes
“I’m far too busy to have a wife and children. What would I know about nappies and so…”
“For a little while I made myself Prime Minister of South Africa, but I find politics very…”
“Personally, I’ve never killed anyone in my life. I’ve never even shot a lion! But when I…”
“People say I ‘stole’ gold and diamonds from Africa – but before I got there no one seemed…”