"Spreading light...without taking part in the affairs of the world...seeing as a trap...all expantion into Africa or the Orient-for a great nation to live this way, believe me, is...in less time than you may think, to sink from the first rank to the third and fourth."

Question

"Spreading light...without taking part in the affairs of the world...seeing as a trap...all expantion into Africa or the Orient-for a great nation to live this way, believe me, is...in less time than you may think, to sink from the first rank to the third and fourth."
-Jules Francois Camille Ferry, speech to the French
Chamber of Deputies, March 28, 1884

QUESTION-What activity is Ferry referring to when he speaks of "spreading light" into the world?

I believe he was talking about the Enlightenment. Please explain why my answer is right or wrong.

Thanks!

Ms. Sue · Answer

In the speech he states that they are spreading civilization to the uncivilized.

"In a speech before the Chamber of Deputies on 28 July 1885, he declared that 'the superior races have a right because they have a duty: it is their duty to civilize the inferior races.'"

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jules_Ferry