My agency in promoting the passage of the National Bank Act was the greatest financial mistake of my life. It has built up a monopoly, which affects every interest in the country. It should be repealed, but before that can be accomplished, the people will be arrayed on one side and the banks on the other, in a contest such as we have never before seen in this country.
The law of the Creator, which invests every human being with an inalienable title to freedom, cannot be repealed by any interior law which asserts that man is property.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote emphasizes the inherent right to freedom that every person possesses, despite any laws or systems that may deem otherwise.
Salmon P. Chase's quote articulates a profound belief in the fundamental nature of human freedom, arguing that this right is innate and cannot be overridden by unjust laws that treat individuals as property. It serves as a reminder that true freedom is a birthright, granted by the Creator, and no human-made law can morally invalidate this essence of humanity. This perspective is a powerful assertion against slavery and oppression, emphasizing the inviolability of personal liberty.
Themes
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech advocating for civil rights, one could use this quote to highlight the injustice of discriminatory laws.
More from Salmon P. Chase
All quotes βAnd upon this act, sincerely believed to be an act of justice, warranted by the Constitution, upon military necessity, I invoke the considerate judgment of all mankind, and the gracious favor of Almighty God.
Once I should have been, if not satisfied, partially, at least, contented with suffrage for the intelligent and those who have been soldiers; now I am convinced that universal suffrage is demanded by sound policy and impartial justice.
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