Clear Quote by Abraham Lincoln
“I hold it to be a paramount duty of us in the free states, due to the Union of the states, and perhaps to liberty itself (paradox though it may seem) to let the slavery of the other states alone; while, on the other hand, I hold it to be equally clear, that we should never knowingly lend ourselves directly or indirectly, to prevent that slavery from dying a natural death--to find new places for it to live in, when it can no longer exist in the old.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: House of Representatives, 1862
Lincoln argues that the Union should not intervene to end slavery elsewhere, allowing it to die out naturally rather than spreading it.
In simple terms: He opposes active efforts to end slavery in other states.
Key Takeaway
Weigh moral responsibility against political pragmatism.
Themes
politics
ethics
slavery
Mood
somber
thoughtful
Type
political
historical
When to use this quote
- policy debate
- historical study
- ethical education
Key Concepts
non‑intervention
moral dilemma
union preservation
Questions to Reflect On
- Is non‑intervention morally defensible?
- What alternatives could have been pursued?
A Different Perspective
The stance may conflict with modern human rights expectations.
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