"Slavery was regarded by Aristotle as an ordinance of nature, and so probably was it by the slaves themselves in olden time"

Alfred Marshall's quote recommends that slavery was viewed as a natural part of life in ancient times. Aristotle, a popular theorist of the time, viewed slavery as an "ordinance of nature," indicating that it was a required part of the social order. This concept was likely shared by the servants themselves, who might have accepted their fate as part of the natural order of things. Marshall's quote implies that slavery was viewed as an unavoidable part of life in ancient times, which it was accepted by both the slave owners and the servants themselves. This quote serves as a pointer of the long history of slavery and its influence on society. It likewise serves as a suggestion of the significance of recognizing the humanity of all individuals, regardless of their social status.