Our progress in degeneracy appears to me to be pretty…
““Our progress in degeneracy appears to me to be pretty rapid. As a nation, we began by declaring that 'all men are created equal.' We now practically read it, 'all men are created equal, except negroes.' When the Know-Nothings get control, it will read, 'all men are created equal, except negroes, and foreigners, and Catholics.' When it comes to this I should prefer emigrating to some country where they make no pretense of loving liberty—to Russia, for instance, where despotism can be taken pure, and without the base alloy of hypocrisy.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Lincoln laments that the promise of equality is eroded by prejudice, predicting further exclusions under nativist rule.
In simple terms: Equality is being narrowed by bias.
Key Takeaway
Recognize and challenge systemic hypocrisy.
Themes
equality
prejudice
political rhetoric
hypocrisy
Mood
cynical
reflective
Type
political
historical
When to use this quote
- political discourse
- civil rights activism
- historical analysis
Key Concepts
civil rights
social contract
national identity
Questions to Reflect On
- How do contemporary societies uphold or betray equality?
- What mechanisms can prevent widening exclusions?
A Different Perspective
The quote reflects a specific historical context and may not directly apply to modern societies.