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Abolition Quote by Edward Snowden

“When you think about the abolition of slavery for example, for the ruling class with the rich white people owning plantations and states, and things like that, slavery was to their benefit. To oppose it didn't make any sense at all on a rational basis. But on a rights basis, on a principle basis…” quote by Edward Snowden
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“When you think about the abolition of slavery for example, for the ruling class with the rich white people owning plantations and states, and things like that, slavery was to their benefit. To oppose it didn't make any sense at all on a rational basis. But on a rights basis, on a principle basis, it made obvious, overwhelming sense.”

Edward Snowden

About This Quote

Source Interview: The Snowden Files, 2014

Slavery persisted because it benefited the powerful; rational arguments alone couldn’t end it, but moral principles did.

In simple terms: Rights and principles can outweigh self‑interest.

Key Takeaway

Advocate for justice even when it’s irrationally costly.

Themes

justice morality power economics

Mood

urgent inspirational

Type

political motivational

When to use this quote

  • activism
  • policy reform
  • education
  • community organizing

Key Concepts

political theory ethics history

Questions to Reflect On

  • What moral arguments can shift entrenched power structures?
  • How do we sustain moral conviction against rational self‑interest?
A Different Perspective

Economic interests often resist moral change.

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