Skip to content

If slavery be a sin, it is not yours. It does not rest on…

“If slavery be a sin, it is not yours. It does not rest on your action for its origin, on your consent for its existence. It is a common law right to property in the service of man; its origin was Divine decree.” quote by Jefferson Davis
Download Open image
“If slavery be a sin, it is not yours. It does not rest on your action for its origin, on your consent for its existence. It is a common law right to property in the service of man; its origin was Divine decree.”

Jefferson Davis

About This Quote

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

Slavery is presented as a divine right and common law, deflecting personal responsibility.

In simple terms: Slavery justified by divine decree.

Key Takeaway

Question moral justifications.

Themes

ethics history law

Mood

critical historical

Type

political philosophical

When to use this quote

  • education
  • activism
  • policy debate

Key Concepts

theology human rights

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do societies justify oppression?
  • What role does law play in morality?
A Different Perspective

Divine justification is historically contested.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet

More by Jefferson Davis

Explore all 71 Jefferson Davis quotes

More Action quotes

Browse all 14,940 Action quotes