Lincoln Quote by Abraham Lincoln
““I will say then that I am not, nor ever have been, in favor of bringing about in any way the social and political equality of the white and black races, — that I am not nor ever have been in favor of making voters or jurors of negroes, nor of qualifying them to hold office, nor to intermarry with white people; and I will say in addition to this that there is a physical difference between the white and black races which I believe will forever forbid the two races living together on terms of social and political equality.””
About This Quote
Source Speech: Address to the Republican Party, 1860
He opposes racial equality, claiming inherent physical differences that prevent social and political integration.
In simple terms: He argues race determines social hierarchy.
Key Takeaway
Reject claims of inherent racial superiority.
Themes
racism
political ideology
social hierarchy
Mood
reflective
critical
Type
historical
political
When to use this quote
- policy debates
- education reform
- civil rights movements
- public discourse
Key Concepts
biological determinism
civil rights
historical racism
Questions to Reflect On
- How have scientific insights disproven racial hierarchy theories?
- What steps can societies take to dismantle lingering racist beliefs?
A Different Perspective
His view reflects the pseudoscientific racism of his era, not modern understanding.
![“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)
