As I would not be a slave, so I would not be a master. This expresses my idea of democracy.
Abraham Lincoln
2006-12-13 09:59:43 · 4 answers · asked by Sid90 2 in Education & Reference ➔ Quotations
Lincoln was trying to make the point that democracy is based on equality and equanimity. Since he was unwilling to be a slave, he must also be unwilling to be a master. His unwillingness to be a slave renders him incapable of becoming a master to a slave and still believe in and strive for the equality of all men. It's the same principal we see followed today by, for example, some animal rights activists. They strongly disagree with the mistreatment and abuse of animals so they don't participate in anything that would propagate abuse, such as wearing fur, supporting zoos that cage animals, etc. Lincoln is basically practicing what he preaches.
2006-12-13 17:02:12 · answer #1 · answered by hairdvs 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It means he would not be a slave, but he is also not willing to take on a slave...
He felt that it was important, not only to change the laws governing slavery, but to instil in his people a sense of pride and integrity, I.E. if you really believe in democracy, you would not be willing to have a slave, as this is not true democracy...
2006-12-13 18:17:57 · answer #2 · answered by Jon S 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
As much as he does not want to be a slave...he also does not want to be responsible for being a slave master. It is saying he is happy to be neither.
2006-12-13 18:14:54 · answer #3 · answered by ÐIESEŁ ÐUB 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
it means that he is not a slave and he is not a master. abraham lincoln disliked slavery but did not want to abolish it. he only wanted to prevent it from spreading westward.
2006-12-13 18:03:27 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋