To the Person Sitting in Darkness

"To the Person Sitting in Darkness" by Mark Twain is an essay published in February 1901. This scorching satire attacks Western imperialism as it unfolded in the Philippines, China, and South Africa. Twain targets political leaders and missionaries alike, exposing the brutal realities behind the rhetoric of spreading civilization and Christianity. The essay sparked fierce controversy, particularly over missionary conduct after the Boxer Rebellion. Written by one of America's most prominent anti-imperialist voices, this piece remains Twain's most famous critique of imperial expansion. (This is an automatically generated summary.)