But I deny that the Constitution recognizes property in man.
William H. SewardRead
The two systems slave and free-labor are incompatible. They have never permanently existed together in one country, and they never can.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote highlights the fundamental conflict between slave labor and free labor systems, suggesting that they cannot coexist sustainably.
William H. Seward's quote emphasizes the inherent incompatibility between slavery and free labor, asserting that these two systems of labor are fundamentally opposed and cannot thrive together in the same society. This tension reflects deeper philosophical and moral questions about freedom, human rights, and the value of labor, indicating that societies must choose between supporting a system that dehumanizes individuals and one that respects their autonomy and contribution.
Themes
SlaveryFree LaborIncompatibilityFreedomLabor Systems
In practice
Example use cases
Use this quote in a discussion about labor rights and their historical implications.
More from William H. Seward
All quotes βIf slavery, limited as it yet is, now threatens to subvert the Constitution, how can we as wise and prudent statesmen, enlarge its boundaries and increase its influence, and thus increase already impending dangers?
William H. SewardRead
But you answer, that the Constitution recognizes property in slaves. It would be sufficient, then, to reply, that this constitutional recognition must be void, because it is repugnant to the law of nature and of nations.
William H. SewardRead
I deem it established, then, that the Constitution does not recognize property in man, but leaves that question, as between the states, to the law of nature and of nations.
William H. SewardRead
But assuming the same premises, to wit, that all men are equal by the law of nature and of nations, the right of property in slaves falls to the ground; for one who is equal to another cannot be the owner or property of that other.
William H. SewardRead
I have learned, by some experience, that virtue and patriotism, vice and selfishness, are found in all parties, and that they differ less in their motives than in the policies they pursue.
William H. SewardRead
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