We cannot suppose therefore that God has made an order of beings, with such mental qualities and powers, for the sole purpose of being used as beasts, or instruments of labour.
Thomas ClarksonRead
Should slavery be abolished there, (and it is an event, which, from these circumstances, we may reasonably expect to be produced in time) let it be remembered, that the Quakers will have had the merit of its abolition.
Interpretation
This quote emphasizes the crucial role of the Quakers in the abolition of slavery and encourages the recognition of their contributions to social change.
In this quote, Thomas Clarkson highlights the important part that the Quakers played in the movement to end slavery. He suggests that their moral and ethical stance against slavery will eventually lead to its abolition, and it should be acknowledged that they significantly contributed to this transformative societal change.
In practice
During a speech on social justice, one might cite this quote to highlight the importance of recognizing those who fought against oppression.
We cannot suppose therefore that God has made an order of beings, with such mental qualities and powers, for the sole purpose of being used as beasts, or instruments of labour.
Most of the slaves, who were thus unconditionally freed, returned without any solicitation to their former masters, to serve them, at stated wages; as free men. The work, which they now did, was found to better done than before.
It appears first, that liberty is a natural, and government an adventitious right, because all men were originally free.
When you allow yourself to be unpredictable, you step from the known into the unknown, where anything is possible
I ask citizens and governments everywhere to do their part by conserving energy and reducing the use of fossil fuels for the good of the world community. This is our duty to those who share this world with us and to those who follow us: Wherever we see a threat to our environment we must take action
...you will have a choice: to adjust how you live daily or to stay the same.
I've said very clearly, including in a State of the Union address, that I'm against 'don't ask, don't tell' and that we're going to end this policy.
Letting go of the past means that you can enjoy the dream that is happening right now.
Do I really want to be integrated into a burning house?
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