Quotes on Abolition Of Slavery

I build no system. I ask an end to privilege, the abolition of slavery, equality of rights, and the reign of law. Justice, nothing else; that is the alpha and omega of my argument: to others I leave the business of governing the world.

Slavery is such an atrocious debasement of human nature, that its very extirpation, if not performed with solicitous care, may sometimes open a source of serious evils.

Knowledge makes a man unfit to be a slave.

No man can put a chain about the ankle of his fellow man without at last finding the other end fastened about his own neck.

And by virtue of the power, and for the purpose aforesaid, I do order and declare that all persons held as slaves within said designated States, and parts of States, are, and henceforward shall be free; and that the Executive government of the United States, including the military and naval authorities thereof, will recognize and maintain the freedom of said persons.

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

I can only say that there is not a man living who wishes more sincerely than I do to see a plan adopted for the abolition of slavery.

Elimination of illiteracy is as serious an issue to our history as the abolition of slavery.

None but ourselves can free our minds.

Those who deny freedom to others deserve it not for themselves.