This quote offers a sharp critique of the colonial narrative as perpetuated by historians like Ferguson. The colonial project, despite being cloaked in the language of 'civilizing missions' and enlightenment, was fundamentally driven by the self-interest of European imperialists. It wasn't just about material gain, although wealth extraction was certainly a significant factor. It also involved imposing moral and intellectual dominance, re-shaping global notions of humanity through a Eurocentric lens that celebrated the white male as the ideal product of Enlightenment values. This elevation was not a natural or inevitable progression but rather enforced through brute military and political power. What is particularly striking is the acknowledgment of the role historians played in this process — crafting 'tendentious' histories which were consciously designed to justify imperial domination. Their narratives often ignored the realities and perspectives of the colonized peoples, instead valorizing imperial conquest as progress. This challenges us to critically engage with historical accounts and recognize the inherent biases in the stories we inherit. It underscores the importance of decolonizing history by recovering the suppressed voices and perspectives of those who lived under imperial rule. The quote aligns with Shashi Tharoor's broader arguments in Inglorious Empire, which expose the damages inflicted by British colonialism, debunk myths of benevolent empire, and call for an honest reckoning with that past.