To the Person Sitting in Darkness

“The Person Sitting in Darkness” by Mark Twain is a searing political satire that exposes the hypocrisy and brutality of imperialism at the turn of the 20th century. With his signature wit and razor-sharp critique, Twain challenges the moral justifications used by Western powers—especially the United States—in their global conquests. Written in 1901, this provocative essay attacks the exploitation of weaker nations under the guise of civilization and religion, making it as relevant today as it was over a century ago. A must-read for fans of political commentary, anti-imperialist literature, and Twain’s bolder, less-publicized works.