"The right to have a slave implies the right in some one to make the slave; that right must be equal and mutual, and this would resolve society into a state of perpetual war"
- William H. Seward
About this Quote
This quote by William H. Seward is a commentary on the morality of slavery. He argues that if a single person deserves to own a slave, then another individual must deserve to be oppressed. This creates an unequal power dynamic in between the 2 celebrations, and Seward suggests that this would lead to a state of perpetual war. He implies that slavery is an unethical practice, as it creates an unequal power dynamic in between two celebrations and causes a state of perpetual war. Seward's quote is a powerful tip of the oppression of slavery and the need for equality in between all individuals. It is a tip that we must pursue a society where everyone is dealt with equally and fairly, and where no one is enslaved.
"Having soon discovered to be great, I must appear so, and therefore studiously avoided mixing in society, and wrapped myself in mystery, devoting my time to fasting and prayer"
"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"
"Without culture, and the relative freedom it implies, society, even when perfect, is but a jungle. This is why any authentic creation is a gift to the future"