Acquired Quote by William H. Seward
“It is true, indeed, that the national domain is ours. It is true it was acquired by the valor and with the wealth of the whole nation. But we hold, nevertheless, no arbitrary power over it.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Senate Address on the Alaska Purchase, 1867
The nation collectively owns the domain, but no single entity can claim unchecked authority over it.
In simple terms: Nation owns resources, but no one controls all.
Key Takeaway
Respect shared ownership.
Themes
sovereignty
collective rights
responsibility
Mood
reflective
cautious
Type
political
ethical
When to use this quote
- policy making
- resource management
- international treaties
- public discourse
Key Concepts
political theory
law
nationalism
Questions to Reflect On
- How can we ensure equitable use of shared resources?
- What safeguards prevent abuse?
A Different Perspective
Power dynamics can still be uneven despite collective ownership.
![“[I]f vice and corruption prevail, liberty cannot subsist; but if virtue have the advantage, arbitrary power cannot be established.” quote by Algernon Sidney](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/2ef/algernon-sidney-20606_advantage_i-f-vice-and-corruption-prevail-liberty_1785566.jpg)
