Political Quotes

On the record
Philosophers, like the Sophists of ancient Greece, pulverized by the sober sense of Socrates, elaborating theories of moral slavery from the alembic of a sugar plantation, and vaporing about lofty sentiments and generous benevolence to be learnt from the hereditary bondage of man to man!
Said by
Josiah Quincy
Federalist · Massachusetts

Editor's note · Context

Quincy condemns philosophers who rationalize slavery, contrasting them with the moral clarity of Socrates.

Share

More from Josiah Quincy

Adams deemed and maintained, was unconstitutional; and he called upon the supporters of the bill to point out the article, section, or paragraph, of the constitution, which authorized Congress to confer it on the President.

gutenberg.org

That it has exposed in broad day the overruling influence of the institution of domestic slavery upon the history and policy of the Union.

gutenberg.org

The terms, indeed, in which such a character as Washington has repeatedly expressed himself concerning me, have left me nothing to wish, if they did not alarm me by their very strength.

gutenberg.org

Other voices in this conversation