--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: I have watched how steadily the general…" description: "\"I have watched how steadily the general feeling, as shown at elections, has been rising against Slavery. What a proud thing for England if she is the f..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/af0/charles-darwin-507_abolish_i-have-watched-how-steadily-the-general_795355.jpg" --- # I have watched how steadily the general feeling, as shown… ![“I have watched how steadily the general feeling, as shown at elections, has been rising against Slavery. What a proud thing for England if she is the first European nation which utterly abolishes it! I was told before leaving England that after living in slave countries all my opinions would be…” quote by Charles Darwin](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/af0/charles-darwin-507_abolish_i-have-watched-how-steadily-the-general_795355.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/af0/charles-darwin-507_abolish_i-have-watched-how-steadily-the-general_795355.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/af0/charles-darwin-507_abolish_i-have-watched-how-steadily-the-general_795355.jpg) > “I have watched how steadily the general feeling, as shown at elections, has been rising against Slavery. What a proud thing for England if she is the first European nation which utterly abolishes it! I was told before leaving England that after living in slave countries all my opinions would be altered; the only alteration I am aware of is forming a much higher estimate of the negro character.” [Charles Darwin](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/charles-darwin/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Darwin notes rising anti‑slavery sentiment in England and expresses pride if it leads to total abolition, while his experience in slave societies deepens his respect for Black people. **In simple terms:** England’s anti‑slavery feeling is growing; Darwin admires Black character. Key Takeaway Support abolition; respect humanity. Themes social change human rights pride Mood hopeful determined Type historical activist When to use this quote - political reform - public opinion - historical analysis Key Concepts Abolitionism colonialism Questions to Reflect On - How can societies overcome economic resistance to moral progress? - What role does personal experience play in shaping views on justice? A Different Perspective Abolition may face entrenched economic interests. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Character](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/character/) [Country](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/country/) [Election](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/election/) [England](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/england/) [Feelings](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/feelings/) [Nations](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/nations/) [Opinion](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/opinion/) [Proud](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/proud/) [Slave](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/slave/) [Slavery](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/slavery/) ## Related quotes > [“When you alter yourself, the alterations become the truth...”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/margaret-atwood/when-you-alter-yourself-the-alterations-become-the-truth/) [Margaret Atwood](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/margaret-atwood/) > [Contentment is never the outcome of fulfillment, of achievement, or of the possession of things; it is not born of action or inaction. 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