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Whenever I hear anyone arguing for slavery, I feel a strong impulse to see it tried on him personally.
Abraham Lincoln
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Interpretation

What this quote means

The quote expresses a profound disdain for the argument supporting slavery by suggesting that proponents should personally experience its consequences.

Abraham Lincoln's quote highlights the inherent hypocrisy in advocating for slavery; it challenges individuals who support such a brutal system to endure the same fate they advocate for others. This statement underscores the moral obligation to empathize with the suffering of others and serves as a critique of any ideology that seeks to dehumanize individuals based on arbitrary characteristics.

Themes

SlaveryHypocrisyEmpathyJusticeMoral Obligation

In practice

Example use cases

In a discussion about social justice, one might use this quote to challenge opposing views on human rights.

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Give me six hours to chop down a tree and I will spend the first four sharpening the axe.
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For it has been said, all that a man hath will he give for his life; and while all contribute of their substance the soldier puts his life at stake, and often yields it up in his country's cause. The highest merit, then is due to the soldier.
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And having thus chosen our course, without guile, and with pure purpose, let us renew our trust in God, and go forward without fear, and with manly hearts.
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