In giving freedom to the slave, we assure freedom to the free -honorable alike in what we give, and what we preserve. We shall nobly save, or meanly lose, the last best, hope of earth.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Freeing enslaved people protects freedom for everyone, making the act both honorable and necessary for preserving global hope.
- In plain terms
- Giving freedom to slaves keeps freedom safe for free people too.
- What can you take from it?
- Moral progress benefits all of humanity, not just the directly aided.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Does moral action always lead to political success?
- Who defines what is honorable?
Another view
It assumes freedom is universally desired and that moral actions guarantee success.
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