Had I so interfered in behalf of the rich, the powerful, the intelligent, the so-called great, or in behalf of any of their friends...every man in this court would have deemed it an act worthy of reward rather than punishment.
John BrownRead
Whereas, Slavery, throughout its entire existence in the United States is none other than a most barbarous, unprovoked, and unjustifiable War of one portion of its citizens upon another portion; the only conditions of which are perpetual imprisonment, and hopeless servitude or absolute extermination; in utter disregard and violation of those eternal and self-evident truths set forth in our Declaration of Independence.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote emphasizes the brutality and injustice of slavery, equating it to a war against humanity.
John Brown's quote passionately condemns slavery in the United States, describing it as a violent and unjust conflict among citizens. He argues that slavery not only denies fundamental human rights but also contradicts the principles of freedom and equality declared in the nation’s founding documents, highlighting the moral imperative to oppose such inhumanity.
Themes
SlaveryJusticeFreedomHuman RightsOppression
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech about civil rights, one might reference this quote to highlight the ongoing fight against injustice.
More from John Brown
All quotes →I want you to understand that I respect the rights of the poorest and weakest of colored people, oppressed by the slave system, just as much as I do those of the most wealthy and powerful. That is the idea that has moved me, and that alone.
John BrownRead
I don't think the people of the slave states will ever consider the subject of slavery in its true light till some other argument is resorted to other than moral persuasion.
John BrownRead
Here, before God, in the presence of these witnesses, from this time, I consecrate my life to the destruction of slavery!
John BrownRead
I am yet too young to understand that God is any respecter of persons. I believe that to have interfered as I have done...in behalf of His despised poor, was not wrong, but right. Now, if it is deemed necessary that I should forfeit my life for the furtherance of the ends of justice, and mingle my blood further with the blood of my children, and with the blood of millions in this slave country whose rights are disregarded by wicked, cruel, and unjust enactments, I submit: so let it be done!
John BrownRead
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