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I never knew a man who wished to be himself a slave…

“I never knew a man who wished to be himself a slave. Consider if you know any good thing, that no man desires for himself.” quote by Abraham Lincoln
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“I never knew a man who wished to be himself a slave. Consider if you know any good thing, that no man desires for himself.”

Abraham Lincoln

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

People should not desire to be enslaved; true desire aligns with freedom and self‑determination.

In simple terms: No one wants to be a slave.

Key Takeaway

Pursue freedom and self‑respect.

Themes

freedom self‑determination morality

Mood

thought‑provoking ethical

Type

philosophical political

When to use this quote

  • personal decisions
  • social movements
  • policy debates

Key Concepts

human rights ethical choice

Questions to Reflect On

  • What does freedom mean to you today?
  • How do you resist self‑imposed constraints?
A Different Perspective

Historical context may differ from modern interpretations.

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