American slavery Quote by Abraham Lincoln
“I am naturally anti-slavery. If slavery is not wrong, nothing is wrong. I can not remember when I did not so think, and feel. And yet I have never understood that the Presidency conferred upon me an unrestricted right to act officially upon this judgment and feeling.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: House of Representatives Address, 1859
Lincoln asserts that slavery is inherently immoral and that any belief contradicting this is false, emphasizing personal conviction over official authority.
In simple terms: Slavery is wrong; anything else is wrong.
Key Takeaway
Question authority when it conflicts with morality.
Themes
morality
politics
conscience
Mood
reflective
determined
Type
political
ethical
When to use this quote
- legislative debates
- civil rights activism
- personal moral dilemmas
Key Concepts
human rights
ethical absolutism
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you act when law opposes your conscience?
- Can personal belief justify defying authority?
A Different Perspective
Political power may limit personal moral action.
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