Equal Quote by Abraham Lincoln
“I should like to know if, taking this old Declaration of Independence, which declares that all men are equal upon principle, you begin making exceptions to it, where will you stop? If one man says it does not mean a Negro, why not another say it does not mean some other man?”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Address to the Illinois State Legislature, 1862
The quote warns that eroding universal equality by making exceptions leads to a slippery slope of increasing discrimination.
In simple terms: If we start making exceptions to equality, it will keep expanding.
Key Takeaway
Guard against making exceptions to fundamental rights.
Themes
equality
justice
rights
slippery slope
morality
Mood
reflective
cautionary
Type
philosophical
political
When to use this quote
- legislation
- civil rights activism
- education
- policy reform
- community dialogue
Key Concepts
universal rights
precedent
social cohesion
Questions to Reflect On
- What exceptions, be justified?
- How do we balance principle with practical realities?
A Different Perspective
The quote assumes all exceptions are equally harmful, ignoring nuanced contexts.
![“I think the authors of that notable instrument [the Declaration of Independence] intended to include all men.” quote by Abraham Lincoln](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/aba/abraham-lincoln-88_books_i-think-the-authors-of-that-notable-inst_960186.jpg)
![“Next came the Patent laws. These began in England in 1624; and, in this country, with the adoption of our constitution. Before then [these?], any man might instantly use what another had invented; so that the inventor had no special advantage from his own invention. The patent system changed this…” quote by Abraham Lincoln](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/449/abraham-lincoln-88_adoption_next-came-the-patent-laws-these-began-in_1828.jpg)
