With some, the word "liberty" may mean for each man to do as he pleases with himself and the product of his labour; while with others, the same word may mean for some men to do as they please with other men and the product of other men's labour.
Abraham Lincoln: “With some, the word "liberty" may mean for each man to do as he pleases with himself and the product of his labour…”
Editor's note · Context
Continuing his discussion on the meaning of liberty, Lincoln contrasts the definition of individual freedom with the concept used to justify the enslavement of others.
Share
More from Abraham Lincoln
As a general rule I abstain from reading the reports of attacks upon myself, wishing not to be provoked by that to which I cannot properly offer an answer.
I do the very best I know how--the very best I can; and I mean to keep doing so until the end.
If I were to try to read, much less answer, all the attacks made on me, this shop might as well be closed for any other business.
He said, with a great deal of emphasis, and with an expression of countenance I shall never forget: "When a man is sincerely penitent for his misdeeds, and gives satisfactory evidence of the same, he can safely be pardoned, and there is no…





