Righteousness Quote by John Quincy Adams
““If slavery be the destined sword of the hand of the destroying angel which is to sever the ties of this Union, the same sword will cut in sunder the bonds of slavery itself. A dissolution of the Union for the cause of slavery would be followed by a servile war in the slave-holding States, combined with a war between the two severed portions of the Union. It seems to me that its result might be the extirpation of slavery from this whole continent; and, calamitous and desolating as this course of events in its progress must be, so glorious would be its final issue, that, as God shall judge me, I dare not say that it is not to be desired.””
About This Quote
Source Speech: 1850s political address on slavery and Union
Argues that war may be necessary to end slavery, viewing the conflict as a painful but ultimately glorious path to emancipation.
In simple terms: War may be needed to end slavery, despite its horrors.
Key Takeaway
Accept difficult means to achieve moral ends.
Themes
slavery
war
morality
union
justice
historical conflict
Mood
somber
reflective
Type
historical
philosophical
When to use this quote
- legislative debates
- military planning
- public persuasion
- international diplomacy
- civil unrest
Key Concepts
ethical dilemma
political strategy
human rights
national unity
Questions to Reflect On
- Is war ever justified to achieve moral goals?
- What alternatives could achieve emancipation without conflict?
A Different Perspective
Violence can cause unintended suffering and may not guarantee lasting peace.
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![“The Law given from Sinai [The Ten Commandments] was a civil and municipal as well as a moral and religious code.” quote by John Quincy Adams](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/95c/john-quincy-adams-2098_code_the-law-given-from-sinai-the-ten-command_79543.jpg)
