On the record
By irresistible law, water everywhere seeks its level, and finds it; and so, by law as irresistible, man seeks the level of every other man in rights, and will find it.
Source
gutenberg.orgEditor's note · Context
Sumner uses the metaphor of water seeking its level to illustrate the inevitability of equality in rights.
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More from Charles Sumner
Far above any flickering light or battle-lantern of party is the everlasting sun of Truth, in whose beams are the duties of men.
Nay, more,--if it would be criminal in these several clusters of States to reëstablish the Institution of War as Arbiter of Justice, then is it criminal in the Commonwealth of Nations to continue it.
Their existence is a disgrace to civilization; for it implies the common consent of nations to the Arbitrament of War, as regulated by these laws.
Men are erring and mortal; principles are steadfast and immortal.
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