Slavery discourages arts and manufacturing ...[and] every master of slaves is born a petty tyrant.
George MasonRead
Taught to regard a part of our own Species in the most abject and contemptible Degree below us, we lose that Idea of the dignity of Man which the Hand of Nature had implanted in us, for great and useful purposes.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote suggests that viewing any part of humanity as inferior undermines our inherent respect for human dignity.
George Mason's quote reflects on the detrimental effects of societal conditioning that leads us to devalue certain groups of people. He argues that such perspectives degrade our understanding of human dignity, which is a fundamental aspect of our nature. By promoting equality and recognizing the worth of all individuals, we align ourselves with the 'great and useful purposes' for which humans were designed.
Themes
DignityHumanityEqualityRespectPerception
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be used in a speech advocating for social justice.
More from George Mason
All quotes →Every society, all government, and every kind of civil compact therefore, is or ought to be, calculated for the general good and safety of the community.
George MasonRead
There is a Passion natural to the Mind of man, especially a free Man, which renders him impatient of Restraint.
George MasonRead
Government is, or ought to be instituted for the common benefit, protection, and security of the people, nation, or community... when any government shall be found inadequate or contrary to these purposes, a majority of the community hath an indubitable, inalienable, and indefeasible right to reform, alter, or abolish it, in such manner as shall be judged most conducive to the public weal.
George MasonRead
As much as I value an union of all the states, I would not admit the southern states into the union, unless they agreed to the discontinuance of this disgraceful trade, because it would bring weakness and not strength to the union.
George MasonRead
All men are by nature born equally free and independent.
George MasonRead
Similar quotes
Someday, the realm of liberty and justice will encompass the planet. Freedom is not just the birthright of the few, it is the God-given right of all His children, in every country. It won't come by conquest. It will come, because freedom is right and freedom works. It will come, because cooperation and good will among free people will carry the day.
Ronald ReaganRead
I got teased and taunted about my night-shaded skin, and my one prayer to God, the miracle worker, was that I would wake up lighter-skinned. The morning would come, and I would be so excited about seeing my new skin that I would refuse to look down at myself until I was in front of a mirror because I wanted to see my fair face first.
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The motivation of all religious practice is similar: love, sincerity, honesty. The way of life of practically all religious persons is consistent. The teachings of tolerance, love, and compassion are the same.
Dalai LamaRead
Although it is important to study and train for skill in techniques, for the man who wishes to truly accomplish the way of budo, it is important to makehis whole life in training and therefore not aiming for skill and strength alone, but also for spiritual attainment.
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Our life of poverty is as necessary as the work itself. Only in heaven will we see how much we owe to the poor for helping us to love God better because of them.
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If what the heart approves conforms to proper patterns, then even if one's desires are many, what harm would they be to good order?
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