"I contend that we are the finest race in the world and that the more of the world we inhabit the better it is for the human race. I contend that every acre added to our territory means the birth of more of the English race who otherwise would not be brought into existence. Added to which the absorption of the greater part of the world under our rule simply means the end of all wars. Africa is still lying ready for us, it is our duty to take it. It is our duty to seize every opportunity of acquiring more territory and we should keep this one idea steadily before our eyes that more territory simply means more of the Anglo-Saxon race, more of the best the most human, most honourable race the world possesses."

Cecil Rhodes, 'Confession of Faith', written c.1877. Rhodes was 24 years old when he wrote this private document, which was not published in his lifetime. He was already a successful diamond merchant in South Africa and would later found De Beers and Rhodesia.