The moment this House undertakes to legislate upon this subject slavery, it dissolves the Union. Should it be my fortune to have a seat upon this floor, I will abandon it the instant the first decisive step is taken looking towards legislation of this subject. I will go home to preach, and if I can, practice, disunion, and civil war, if needs be. A revolution must ensue, and this republic sink in blood.
Interpretation
This quote expresses the profound consequences of legislating slavery, suggesting it could lead to the dissolution of the Union and civil strife.
In this quote, James Henry Hammond warns of the severe consequences that would follow if legislation were enacted regarding slavery. He asserts that such actions would not only lead to the disintegration of the Union but also advocate for rebellion and bloodshed, illustrating the deep divisions and moral crises surrounding the institution of slavery in his time. Hammond reflects a belief that compromising on this issue could lead to catastrophic outcomes for the nation and its values.
In practice
In a historical debate on civil rights, this quote can illustrate the stakes involved in legislative decisions.
When the yogi starts to meditate, he must leave behind all sensory thoughts and all longings for possessions by quieting the waves of feeling (chitta), and the mental restlessness that arises therefrom, through the application of techniques that reinstate the controlling power of the untrammeled superconsciousness of the soul.
Eaters must understand, how we eat determines how the world is used.
We live in the postmodern world, where everything is possible and almost nothing is certain.
Anger begets more anger, and forgiveness and love lead to more forgiveness and love.
Our responsibility is much greater than we might have supposed, because it involves all mankind.
The only thing that makes life possible is permanent, intolerable uncertainty; not knowing what comes next.
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