Political Quotes

Abraham Lincoln: “If A can prove, however conclusively, that he may of right enslave B, why may not B snatch the same argument and prove…”

On the recordJuly 1, 1854
If A can prove, however conclusively, that he may of right enslave B, why may not B snatch the same argument and prove equally that he may enslave A?
Said by
Abraham Lincoln
Republican · Illinois

Editor's note · Context

In a fragment questioning the justifications for slavery, Lincoln uses a rhetorical device to expose the arbitrary nature of claiming a right to enslave another.

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