Arguing Quote by Abraham Lincoln
“While I have often said that all men out to be free, yet I would allow those colored persons to be slaves who want to be; and next to them those white persons who argue in favor of making other people slaves. I am in favor of giving an opportunity to such white men to try it on for themselves.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Public Address, 1862
The speaker paradoxically supports freedom for some while endorsing slavery for others, exposing contradictory moral reasoning.
In simple terms: Contradictory stance on freedom and slavery.
Recognize and challenge internal contradictions.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- political debate
- civil rights movements
- historical analysis
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- What are the dangers of selective liberty?
- How can societies avoid such double standards?
The view is morally untenable and historically inaccurate.