"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"
- Thomas Jefferson
About this Quote
This quote by Thomas Jefferson talks to the power imbalance in between masters and slaves. He paints a picture of a society where the master remains in a position of power and the slave is in a position of submission. This power imbalance is perpetuated through the "energetic passions" of the master and the "degrading submissions" of the slave. Jefferson is worried that this power imbalance is being passed down to the next generation, as children are exposed to this vibrant and learn to imitate it. This quote talks to the need for a society that is based upon equality and regard, rather than one that is based on power and submission.
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