“He who would be no slave must consent to have no slave. Those who deny freedom to others deserve it not for themselves and, under a just God, cannot long retain it.”
- February 12, 1809 – April 15, 1865
- American
- Politician, lawyer
- As the 16th President of the United States, he issued the Emancipation Proclamation and led the Civil War to maintain the unity of the nation.
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Quote
“He who would be no slave must consent to have no slave. Those who deny freedom to others deserve it not for themselves and, under a just God, cannot long retain it.”
Explanation
In this quote, Abraham Lincoln argues that true freedom is interdependent—if a person desires to be free, they must also be willing to ensure that others enjoy the same freedom. The first part, “He who would be no slave must consent to have no slave,” suggests that freedom cannot be selective or one-sided. It implies that in a just society, one cannot claim their own liberty while denying it to others. This is a direct challenge to the institution of slavery, calling for a fundamental rethinking of the moral and social order that allowed one group of people to be oppressed for the benefit of another.
The second part of the quote, “Those who deny freedom to others deserve it not for themselves and, under a just God, cannot long retain it,” makes a moral argument: those who participate in or uphold the oppression of others will eventually lose their own freedom. Lincoln appeals to the idea of divine justice, implying that a just God will not allow the system of slavery, or any form of oppression, to persist indefinitely. The message is clear: the act of denying freedom is not only immoral but also unsustainable in the long run, as it violates the principles of equality and justice upon which the nation is founded.
Historically, this quote reflects Lincoln’s growing commitment to abolition and his recognition that the Civil War was not just a political struggle to preserve the Union, but also a moral battle to eliminate the institution of slavery. Lincoln’s belief in the eventual triumph of justice and liberty was central to his speeches and actions, particularly his Emancipation Proclamation and the passage of the 13th Amendment, both of which sought to end slavery in the United States. The quote also encapsulates his understanding of the moral and spiritual dimensions of the conflict, as he saw the war not only as a test of political power but as a profound struggle for human dignity and equality.
In modern times, this quote resonates in discussions about freedom and justice, particularly in the context of human rights and the fight against oppression. It serves as a reminder that true freedom cannot be achieved in a society where any group is denied their basic rights. The quote continues to challenge individuals and nations to reflect on their responsibility to uphold the rights of others, and to recognize that the denial of freedom to one group ultimately threatens the freedoms of all. Whether applied to racial equality, immigrant rights, or civil liberties, Lincoln’s words call on society to strive toward a more inclusive and just world.
