"As I would not be a slave, so I would not be a master. This expresses my idea of democracy"
- Abraham Lincoln
About this Quote
This quote by Abraham Lincoln expresses his concept of democracy as a system of government that is based on equality and flexibility. He is saying that he does not wish to be a servant or a master, which indicates that he does not want to remain in a position of power over others, nor does he wish to remain in a position of yoke. This is in line with the concepts of democracy, which is a system of government that is based upon the idea of equality and flexibility for all people. Lincoln's quote is a pointer that democracy is a system of federal government that must be based upon the principles of equality and liberty, and not on the power of someone or group over another. It is a suggestion that democracy should be a system of government that is based upon the idea of equality and flexibility for all people, no matter their race, gender, or social class.
"The whole commerce between master and slave is a perpetual exercise of the most boisterous passions, the most unremitting despotism on the one part, and degrading submissions on the other. Our children see this, and learn to imitate it"
