Common Quote by John Quincy Adams
“The inconsistency of the institution of domestic slavery with the principles of the Declaration of Independence was seen and lamented . . . no insincerity or hypocrisy can be fairly laid to their charge. Never from their lips was heard one syllable of attempt to justify the institution of slavery. They universally considered it as a reproach fastened upon them by the unnatural step-mother country and they saw that before the principles of the Declaration of Independence slavery, in common with every other mode of oppression, was destined sooner or later to be banished from the earth.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Address on Slavery, John Quincy Adams, 1825
He condemns the inconsistency of slavery with the Declaration’s principles, calling it a reproach to be abolished.
In simple terms: Slavery contradicts liberty ideals.
Key Takeaway
Advocate for abolition.
Themes
human rights
political philosophy
history
Mood
historical
serious
Type
educational
reflective
When to use this quote
- civil rights activism
- educational curricula
- policy reform
Key Concepts
moral inconsistency
legal ethics
freedom
Questions to Reflect On
- What lessons does this teach about moral progress?
- How can societies confront entrenched injustices?
A Different Perspective
Abolition faced strong opposition and slow progress.
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