Leopold II of Belgium quotes

Leopold II of Belgium was the King of the Belgians, infamous for his brutal colonial rule over the Congo Free State. His exploitation and harsh policies led to the deaths and suffering of millions of Congolese people. He is remembered as one of history’s most controversial and criticized monarchs. Here are 67 of his quotes:

The Congo Free State is unique in its kind. It has nothing to hide and no secrets and is not beholden to anyone except its founder. (Leopold II of Belgium)
If God gives me a long life and allows me to carry out my task, then Brussels will become a city of exceptional category. View quote
Leopold II of Belgium
I want it to be and it will be. View quote
Leopold II of Belgium
I want the great effort which must permanently open Africa to civilization to take a date in Belgium. View quote
Leopold II of Belgium
Hopefully they won't mess up my Congo! View quote
Leopold II of Belgium
Of all the outlets, the safest and most stable, both for products and for capital, is obviously that of a colony. View quote
Leopold II of Belgium
If instead of talking about neutrality, the Chamber took care of our trade, Belgium would become the richest in the world. View quote
Leopold II of Belgium
If I do not promise Belgium a splendid government like that which founded its independence, nor a great King like him whom we mourn, then at least i believe to be a Belgian King in heart and soul, whose whole life belongs to the country. View quote
Leopold II of Belgium
A Prince must not speak the language of the tribunes and proclaim absolute principles in terms which are likely to deeply offend those who are of another opinion than his own. View quote
Leopold II of Belgium
You just have to dare to succeed. View quote
Leopold II of Belgium
On the occasion of my 65th birthday, I wish to hand over to the State my properties that contribute to the attractiveness and beauty of the places where they are located. (Leopold II of Belgium)
If the knowledge of foreign languages is particularly useful in our time, that of national languages is a necessity. It is necessary to have them taught to the youth simultaneously, and it is to be desired that their use should become more and more common to all Belgians. View quote
Leopold II of Belgium
A People which is content with its homeland and which shreds at even the shadow of a conflict lacks the characteristics of a superior race. View quote
Leopold II of Belgium
Young trees need stakes to support them, but the stakes must be removed once the trees begin to grow, precisely so not to hinder their growth. View quote
Leopold II of Belgium
I do not want to miss a good chance of getting us a slice of this magnificent African cake. View quote
Leopold II of Belgium
India has never cost England one centime. it paid back What it cost. India provides a livelihood for all benjamins of English families. View quote
Leopold II of Belgium
In the Far East, compulsory labor can work wonders, just like here... If only Belgium wanted to see that. This could create "inexhaustible resources and exploiting the soil and peoples of the Far East can only be brought to civilization and well-being in this way." View quote
Leopold II of Belgium
Trading posts and colonies, gentlemen, have not only strengthened the commercial positions of the peoples concerned; these nations owe their greatness to these institutions. View quote
Leopold II of Belgium
I have only one goal and one desire, namely to give myself a practical instruction, to get to know the world and its inhabitants. There will come times when this knowledge will be of use to me. View quote
Leopold II of Belgium
Nothing is more difficult than arriving at a court where nobody knows anyone in the world, add to that the Austrian Etiquette, and you can imagine what kind of evening I had to endure. View quote
Leopold II of Belgium
I have no other desire than to leave Belgium bigger, stronger and more beautiful. (Leopold II of Belgium)
Whoever has a cold is stupid, because he just had to avoid catching a cold. View quote
Leopold II of Belgium
Our only programme is the work of moral and material re-generation. View quote
Leopold II of Belgium
I will give them my Congo, but they have no right to know what i did there. View quote
Leopold II of Belgium
In dealing with a race composed of cannibals for thousands of years, it is necessary to use methods which will best shape their idleness, and make them realize the sanctity of work. View quote
Leopold II of Belgium

Leopold II of Belgium

Leopold II of Belgium - Image
Born: April 9, 1835
Died: December 17, 1909
Quotes count: 67
Wikipedia: Leopold II of Belgium

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