A conquering race, in the place of that conquest, is rarely amiable; the conquerors pay less obviously than the conquered, but perhaps in time they pay even more heavily, in the loss of the humane qualities. Hard, arrogant, profit-seeking adventurers flock to the spoil, and the natives, though outwardly civil, contemplate them with a resentment mingled with contempt, while at the same time respecting the face of conquest – acknowledging their greater strength.
In Patrick O'Brian's "The Mauritius Command," the narrative delves into the complexities of imperial conquests and their impact on both the conquerors and the conquered. The conquerors, often driven by greed and a desire for profit, may appear to benefit from their victories; however, they ultimately suffer a deeper loss—an erosion of their humane qualities. This transformation fosters a harsh environment where arrogance prevails, and the initial triumph can lead to...
