As you know very well,' said Stephen, 'I am in favour of leaving people alone, however imperfect their polity may seem. It appears to me that you must not tell other nations how to set their house in order; nor must you compel them to be happy. But I too am a naval officer, brother; long, long ago you taught me that anyone nourished on ship's biscuit must learn to choose the lesser of two weevils. On that basis alone I may be said to have no objection to Moahu's becoming a nominal British possession.
In the passage, Stephen expresses a belief in respecting the autonomy of different nations, even if their political systems seem flawed to others. He emphasizes that it is not appropriate to dictate how other countries should manage their affairs or impose happiness upon them. His perspective highlights a philosophical approach to governance that values independence and self-determination.
However, Stephen acknowledges the practical realities of naval life, suggesting that sometimes compromises must be made. He uses a metaphor related to choosing between two undesirable options, indicating that he is willing to accept Moahu becoming a nominal British possession, reflecting a nuanced understanding of political dynamics and the complexities of imperialism.
