There is very little moral mixture in the 'Antislavery' feeling of this country. A great deal is abstract philanthropy; part is hatred of slaveholders; a great part is jealousy for white labor, very little is consciousness of wrong done and the wish to right it.
Interpretation
The quote critiques the motives behind antislavery sentiments, suggesting they are often mixed and not purely moral.
George William Curtis highlights the complexities of the antislavery movement in America, arguing that while there are noble intentions, such as a desire to end injustice, many motivations are influenced by self-interest, social jealousy, or mere abstract philanthropy rather than a genuine moral condemnation of slavery itself. This reflection prompts deeper consideration of the true intentions behind social reform movements.
In practice
This quote can be used in a discussion about the motivations behind social justice movements in academic settings.
I think that to have known one good, old man-one man, who, through the chances and mischances of a long life, has carried his heart in his hand, like a palm-branch, waving all discords into peace-helps our faith in God, in ourselves, and in each other more than many sermons
Reputation is favorable notoriety as distinguished from fame, which is permanent approval of great deeds and noble thoughts by the best intelligence of mankind.
The fragrance always stays in the hand that gives the rose.
Opponents of civil liberties contend the NSA data collection has made our country more safe, but even the most vocal defenders of the program have failed to identify a single thwarted plot.
I know that some people have different personas for the different things they do, and I'm not criticizing that - maybe it's a good thing - but I'm the same old person, so I take everything in stride.
Money is far more persuasive than logical arguments.
Like our attitude to love, truth and goodness, we seem to be confident about knowing what beauty is - certain, even dogmatic - until we think hard about the idea, whereupon all confidence flies away.
Many cults start off with high ideals that get corrupted by leaders or their board of advisors who become power-hungry and dominate and control members' lives. No group with high ideals starts off as a 'cult'; they become one when their errant ways are exposed.
In the morning, when the nothing vase casts a something shadow, like the memory of someone you've lost, what can you say about that?
Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.