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Were not the disadvantages of slavery too obvious to stand in need of it, I might enumerate and describe the tedious train of calamities inseparable from it. I might show that it is fatal to religion and morality; that it tends to debase the mind, and corrupt its noblest springs of action. I might show that it relaxes the sinews of industry, clips the wings of commerce, and introduces misery and indigence in every shape.
Alexander Hamilton
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Interpretation

What this quote means

Slavery brings numerous detrimental effects, harming not only individuals but society as a whole.

In this quote, Alexander Hamilton illustrates the profound and numerous negative consequences of slavery. He articulates that beyond its obvious disadvantages, slavery undermines moral and religious values, sacrifices intellectual integrity, hampers industriousness, stifles economic growth, and ultimately leads to widespread suffering and poverty.

Themes

SlaveryMoralityIndustryCommerceSuffering

In practice

Example use cases

During a discussion on human rights, this quote might serve to emphasize the moral implications of slavery.

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When men, engaged in unjustifiable pursuits, are aware that obstructions may come from a quarter which bare apprehension of opposition from doing what they would with eagerness rush into if no such external impediments were to be feared.
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The people are turbulent and changing; they seldom judge right or make good decision.
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The true principle of a republic is that the people should choose whom they please to govern them. Representation is imperfect, in proportion as the current of popular favor is checked. The great source of free government, popular election, should be perfectly pure, and the most unbounded liberty allowed.
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