Skip to content
quotesby

I have watched how steadily the general feeling, as shown at elections, has been rising against Slavery. What a proud thing for England if she is the first European nation which utterly abolishes it! I was told before leaving England that after living in slave countries all my opinions would be altered; the only alteration I am aware of is forming a much higher estimate of the negro character. It is impossible to see a negro and not feel kindly towards him; such cheerful, open, honest expressions and such fine muscular bodies. I never saw any of the diminutive Portuguese, with their murderous countenances, without almost wishing for Brazil to follow the example of Haiti; and, considering the enormous healthy-looking black population, it will be wonderful if, at some future day, it does not take place.

Charles Darwin#4

EthicsHistoryRaceSlaveryCharacter

About this quote

What does it mean?
Public sentiment against slavery is rising; the author praises England's potential abolition and expresses high regard for negro character based on personal observation.
In plain terms
Opposition to slavery is growing, and the author admires black people for their honesty and physical traits.
What can you take from it?
Personal contact can reshape opinions about others.

Where it applies

  • political reform
  • cross cultural interaction

Putting it to work

  • advocate for abolition
  • challenge stereotypes

Questions to consider

  • How do experiences change prejudices?
  • What drives social reform?

Another view

The language reflects paternalistic attitudes common in the 19th century.

More from Charles Darwin

  1. Our faculties are more fitted to recognize the wonderful structure of a beetle than a Universe.

    Permalink to quote #3
  2. With respect to the theological view of the question: This is always painful to me. I am bewildered. I had no intention to write atheistically, but I own that …

    Permalink to quote #5
  3. We can allow satellites, planets, suns, universe, nay whole systems of universe, to be governed by laws, but the smallest insect, we wish to be created at once…

    Permalink to quote #2

Related quotes

  1. Slaves no doubt, but still men.

    Ambrosius Theodosius MacrobiusAmbrosius Theodosius Macrobius quote #1
  2. The men and women of the North are slaveholders, those of the South slaveowners. The guilt rests on the North equally with the South.

    Susan B. AnthonySusan B. Anthony quote #2
  3. Torture was necessary to maintain slavery. It was integral to slavery. You cannot have slavery without some torture or the threat of torture; and you cannot ha…

    Andrew SullivanAndrew Sullivan quote #4