The mere holding of slaves, therefore, is a condition having per se nothing of moral character in it, any more than the being a parent, or employer, or ruler.
Meaning of the quote
The quote is saying that owning slaves is not in itself a moral or immoral act, just like being a parent, employer, or ruler is not inherently good or bad. It's the actions and decisions we make as slave owners, parents, employers, or rulers that determine whether our behavior is moral or not. The quote suggests that the act of simply possessing slaves does not automatically make someone a good or bad person.
About Samuel Morse
Samuel Morse was an American inventor and painter. He helped develop the single-wire telegraph system and Morse code, which revolutionized communication in the 19th century. Morse’s contributions to the commercial use of telegraphy had a lasting impact on the world.
More quotes from Samuel Morse
If the presence of electricity can be made visible in any part of the circuit, I see no reason why intelligence may not be transmitted instantaneously by electricity.
American inventor and painter (1791-1872)
The mere holding of slaves, therefore, is a condition having per se nothing of moral character in it, any more than the being a parent, or employer, or ruler.
American inventor and painter (1791-1872)
My price is five dollars for a miniature on ivory, and I have engaged three or four at that price. My price for profiles is one dollar, and everybody is willing to engage me at that price.
American inventor and painter (1791-1872)
What God hath wrought?
American inventor and painter (1791-1872)